28/08/2013
On 29th September 2012, the first Graduation Ceremony for graduates of the Teaching Certificate in Computer Applications took place at Pallotti Community Training Centre (PCTC) in Esso, an area located about 1km from Shoprite.
The excitement began at 8am when the graduates climbed onto a lorry which travelled around town to allow them to announce their achievements and encourage others to participate in the different courses offered at PCTC.
They returned jubilantly at 11am shining like beacons in their black and maroon gowns and smiling with pride at the crowd waiting to congratulate them at Pallotti. The band started up and accompanied the graduates and the guest of honour, Mr Angelus Ngonyani, Regional Director of VETA, Northern Zone into the hall and the ceremony began.
In October 2008 computer classes started at Pallotti Community Training Centre. The first course was a Foundation Course in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
After completing the Foundation Course, students wanted to know more about computers so step by step new courses were introduced. Currently there are courses at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Levels in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and File Management. There are also courses in Microsoft Publisher, Internet and Email, Computer Maintenance and AutoCAD.
At first the students were mostly from the Esso Region but as news spread by word of mouth, students started to travel from further afield; from places such as Sakina or Njiro, and one student even trekked in and out from Moshi everyday.
Over 1,500 students have received certificates for these different courses. These students include people of all ages from different backgrounds as well as employees from local and central government offices.
In September 2011, due to the growing demand for quality teachers of computer applications in Tanzania, a 9 month course called Teaching Certificate in Computer Applications was pioneered. When these graduates first came to PCTC, by their own admission, they knew nothing about computers. However, step by step they completed all courses to advanced level and then continued their studies to become teachers of Computer Applications.
Now they have passed all the exams - both theoretical and practical and created a professional Scheme of Work. Today they are confident and fully equipped to share their skills and teach other people about computers. Some of them have already found jobs as teachers.
In his speech, Fr Mike O'Sullivan, the Project Director, delighted the guests with the inspiring words of Nelson Mandela; "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Orla McGrath who has been part of the training program from the beginning and trained the current teachers, Mr Innocent Ombella and Priscuss Akwilini, spoke about how proud she was of all the students who have attended the different courses at Pallotti over the years and especially the graduates receiving their certificates today. She said that their success demonstrates that when people are given opportunity they will succeed.
The glowing graduates presented a speech to the guest of honour thanking the Committee, Staff and teachers of Pallotti for the excellent education they had received at a centre where all students are welcome no matter what their colour, age, tribe or religion.
The guest of honour, Mr Angelus Ngonyani from VETA said that due to the development in Tanzania over the last 10 years computers are more accessible and more affordable than ever. He spoke about the positive impact computers can have on society in terms of education and development.
Certificates were presented by the Guest of Honour to over 20 students, young and old, who had completed different courses. Afterwards, the graduates of the Teaching Certificate received their Certificates accompanied by the sound of loud cheering, singing and clapping.
Thereafter, the graduates enthralled the guests with a show of dancing and singing and the ceremony drew to a gracious close at 2pm with the welcome announcement that food and drinks would be served.
