Building Communities of Support for Families in Poverty

WORKSHOP 10 - GRADUATION

his final meeting will be a time to recognize the end of the training period and the movement on to community-based programming. Time should be taken to recognize the hard work each trainee has put into the program. Noting specific contributions of each member will be encouraging. Noting how the group is now a strong unit of support is also important.

t this meeting it is often helpful to have a Master Teacher who has been seen as a leader in the group to act as Master of Ceremonies. Format for the session can be formal or informal. Key elements will be:

1. Introduction of all attendees and their relationship to the program (e.g., trainees, Master Teachers already working in the community, invited guests). (Master of Ceremonies)

2. Brief overview of why the program is targeted for the community, what we have done so far, and what we will be doing in the future. Announcements of the time and topic of the first monthly training/support group. (Trainer)

3. Presentation of certificates.* (Trainer)

4. Opportunity for comments for the "graduates" or invited guests. (Master of Ceremonies)

5. Closing and informal sharing among trainees and invited guests.

*Certificates of Recognition

The manner of presenting the certificates will depend on the participants in the program.

1. If the majority of program participants have rarely been recognized for completions of programs (including high school), certification in the form of a graduation certificate will be most meaningful. It will greatly enhance the self- esteem of the participant as he/she is presented with a real certificate of completion for a job well done. If the certificate is framed to be hung for all to see, it will be a constant reminder of success as he/she works on his/her own goals in life as well as the needs of the community.

2. If the majority of program participants seem to already have received graduation certificates, the format of the program should be one of recognition for volunteer efforts in participating in the training and setting goals for future community work. A framed certificate attesting to this service will still be greatly appreciated.

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