One male among 176 School of Continuing Education graduates

AMIDST CHEERS, applause, and a palpable sense of accomplishment, 176 persons graduated from the SVG School of Continuing Education on July 18, 2024 at the Faith Temple Church. One male was among the graduating class which held its ceremony under the theme “Investing in Me”. The event brought together families, faculty members, and the graduating class of 2023/24.

There was an air of anticipation as graduates, adorned in Emerald green, Black and gold, filed into the venue, faces reflecting a mix of emotions as the graduates prepared to receive their certificates.

Chief Operating Officer, Nzinga Sergeant, delivered the school’s report which indicated an increase of 30.4 percent from last year’s graduate numbers. She acknowledged the perseverance and resilience exhibited by the graduating class throughout their academic journey.

“As you forge forward, use today as the empirical data. Declare to your nay-sayers ‘I am a success, the path before me is littered with success and the investments that I make in myself will reap bountiful returns’.” Sergeant also announced that the school will provide a full scholarship to a person from the southern Grenadines to pursue any course at the institution.

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony was Soyini Clarke-Palmer, who shared personal anecdotes and words of wisdom garnered from her own experiences. Other speakers also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s passions in shaping a meaningful and successful future.

Past student of the SVG School of Continuing Education, Glenis Caine, who owns Le’ Belle foot and nail clinic, remarked that her start at the SVG School of Continuing Education propelled her into her chosen field. She commented that after the course she left her job of 12

years to pursue her passion where she now provides aseptic foot and nail care services, fungal treatments, and foot and nail restoration to clients.

The presentation of certificates was among the highlights of the ceremony, and was met with thunderous applause from families and friends, underscoring the immense support and encouragement that propelled the graduates to complete their courses.

Reflecting on their journey, valedictorian, Colleen Pompey expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received from teachers, mentors, and loved ones.

“I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and belief of those who stood by me,” she pointed out. A special tribute was given to the founder of the school, Sylvia Gould and her husband Clifford. The Goulds retired in January 2024.

The SVG School of Continuing Education is registered with the National Accreditation Board of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is located in Rose Place. It will offer the following courses in the upcoming semester which begins August 26, 2024: Advanced caring for the older adult; basic aesthetics; caring for the older adult; early childhood development; early childhood education; hair braiding; hair weaving; bartending; and barbering.