Iftin Class of 2009

The Machakos AIC marching band leading the 2009 Skills Training and Enterprise Development Program Graduates through Eastleigh

A group of the Iftin graduates waiting for the procession to start. It was a very early day for the women of the three Iftin classes as they walked to the centre to prepare for the graduation at 7 am.

Iftin community coordinator Zahra Aziz with the Feruza, Farhiya and Hani before the graduation.

Over 300 graduates from the community-based training, centre-based training, and Iftin program marched in a procession on third Avenue and down 2nd Street, entering the Community Centre from the rear football pitch. The procession drew a large crowd of spectators who came to see the excitement.

Iftin student, and self help group community facilitator, Nadhifo Buule sharing about the impact of Iftin within the community: "Iftin means women helping women"

Iftin student and "Happy Club" youth leader, Tunis Shariif being presented an award for "innovation and creativity" by Lisa Whitley, a representative of the Nairobi office of USAID.

ECC director, Ehud Gachuga, pronouncing

the conferral of certificates to the graduates

56 of the 60 Iftin graduates were able to attend the ceremony and receive their certificates from the hand of the Somali area counsellor for the Kenyan government.

Vocational Training Centre graduate Iyako addressing the graduates in song at the close of the 2009 convocation.

A final highlight of the day was hearing the testimony of Iyako. Growing up as a street kid in Eastleigh/Mathare he was caught up in crime and addiction. Through the social workers of the Eastleigh Community Centre, Iyako was brought into a sponsorship program funded by the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust. Through the intervention of the community centre, Iyako completed Standard Eight and entered the Vocational Training Program. Today he has completed his auto mechanic certificate and will enter the work force with confidence and skill. He stood before his peers, proudly declaring in Kiswahili -- "My name is Iyako. I am born again! ... God has blessed my life!" Stories of transformation like this are why the Eastleigh Community Centre exists!