Candidate Party

Candidate Party, aka a graduation ceremony and party
The secondary school system in Rwanda is divided into ordinary level and advanced level, otherwise known as O and A level respectively. There are 3 years to each level. In the first three levels the students take a variety of classes. They then sit for the O-level exam, which tests them on about 8 subjects. Based on their scores they are then able to apply/go to A-level either at the school they attended O-level, or they can transfer schools. In A-level the students study in a tract or combination. The combinations have 3 principle classes(subjects) and then a few other electives, some of which are nation mandated, and others are given by certain schools. Then at the end of their 3 years in A-level, they take another national exam. It is this exam that will decide their future, what they can study in univeristy(if they go) and even where they will study.
Clearly the O and A- level National Exams are very important in the lives of students here, so it should make sense that we want to celebrate it. In the past at my school these celebrations were always done through religious groups, but this year it was decided that we would have a school wide celebration. Not only would the non-candidate students be invited, but each candidate would be able to invite 2 people to attend.
All the teachers were invited and the invitation said the event started at 9 am. I don't know why after all this time I still believe things will start on-time, I should learn, but I continue to show up on time. Sunday morning was a rainy morning, but I still got there at 9 am. On the walk from my house up to school I passed the dormitories and some of my students ran out to tell me I looked smart,etc. Then as I passed by the wash house I saw candidates still in towels greeting me a good morning. I was like, hey ladies aren't you supposed to be somewhere right now, they reacted with yes teacher we are coming we are coming.. yet none of them were dressed yet.
As I walking up to school I realized I had no idea where exactly I was going;I asked one of the girls and she offered to show me there. The party was set up on the basketball court, there were 3 big tents. When I arrived only my headmistress was there and everything was still being setup, even though it was after 9 at this point. Somehow I wasn't surprised.
I'm not sure when exactly everything started, but I want to say between 10 and 10.30 was when most of the family and students arrived. I must say that the girls looked fabulous. They were dressed in traditional dresses that are somewhat reminiscent of an indian sari(sp?). All the girls had different patterns and accessories, you could tell they really took the time to get ready(some of them were 2 hours late).. The girls even tried to work with their short little fros to make them look good, I was surprised with what they were able to do.
The official part of the day consisted of giving out certificates and having a few speeches. The girls sang and danced for us, and presented our headmistress with a gift. Then there was a chance for family members to give gifts. Then it was lunch time. I was shocked at how well lunch worked out considering the amount of people that were in attendence.
Then the waiting started.
In the afternoon I'm not even sure what was exactly planned but we sat around for a while(at least there was a DJ playing music).
Then the unofficial party started. All the families and friends were taking pictures and just having fun. We had a singer called LilG perform, he's most likely 16 plus or minus. He's Rwandese and the students went crazy for him.
Most of the rest of the day consisted of me sitting around with my students, talking and taking pictures with them. I was told we were waiting for more musical guests to come. I asked what time were they expected, they told me 8 pm, and that point I looked at my watch saw that it was 6.30 and I was like OK, I'm going home I'll be back later..
Later in the night I went back with some of my fellow teachers and we hung out some more with the students. Finally these other singers did come, and the girls went crazy, I couldn't believe it. We teachers left around 10.30, but the girls continued till around midnight.
Overall it was a great day and I know I won't forget it and I'm pretty sure the students won't forget it either. I also loved the fact that on Monday morning at 8 am the senior 6s were already studying,they really are serious girls.