This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
Postponed Graduation Ceremony Equals Dreams Delayed ¶
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world, final year college students are facing a unique challenge. With schools closed, graduation ceremonies have been postponed, leaving students uncertain about their future.
For students who were expecting to graduate this year, the delay is particularly concerning. Having completed most of their classes, they are now left with limited options. Online learning is no longer applicable to them, and with many businesses making losses, employment opportunities are dwindling.
Strathmore University student Cindy Amisi shares her concerns, 'I was really looking forward to my graduation. I thought I would be working as a graduate trainee by now. I've seen other institutions hold virtual graduation ceremonies, but I don't fancy that at all.'
Amisi has been running community empowerment projects in Kibera, but the pandemic has scattered her plans. She has been doing online writing to earn money and has taken an online course on data analysis and visualisation using Excel.
Another student, Caroline Omollo from Moi University, was meant to graduate last Friday. She had planned to get internship opportunities to hone her skills in video editing, writing, and other media and communication skills. However, with the pandemic, her plans have been put on hold.
Omollo believes that they can leverage on communication and digital technologies to advocate for good governance and sustainable development in the country. She has decided to channel her energy into running her blog and editing videos.
Samuel Opiyo from Moi University shares his story, 'My troubles began last year when I was in my final year at Moi University. My mother had formed a habit of sending me money, and then following it up with a phone call to remind me that from January 2020, I would be out of school and on my own.'
Opiyo had planned to graduate and start a poultry business to make ends meet. However, with the pandemic, he has had to adapt to new circumstances. He has been reading novels and newspapers to improve his grammar and stay updated on current affairs.
As the pandemic continues to affect the world, final year college students are facing uncertainty about their future. With graduation ceremonies postponed, they are left with limited options and uncertain job prospects.
