Celebrating Resilience and Hope: Tutapona and Clarke International University Graduation Ceremony 2024 Cohort
The virtual halls of Clarke International University (CIU) were filled with joy and pride as Tutapona and CIU celebrated the graduation of their latest cohort of mental health and psychosocial support professionals. The online ceremony, held on 13/02/2025, marked the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and learning for graduates from diverse backgrounds across the globe. This event highlighted the power of education and collaboration in addressing mental health challenges in conflict and complex emergencies.
The ceremony began with Shamira Kwanjeni Pa To, Vice Chancellor, officially opening the event. She welcomed attendees and acknowledged the absence of the Vice-Chancellor while introducing the attendees. The atmosphere was set with an opening prayer led by Marcel Serubungo, who emphasized the significance of the day and the transformative impact of the graduates’ work in their communities. Dean John Bosco Alege, Dean of the School of Public Health at CIU, followed with heartfelt welcome remarks, providing a historical overview of the program and celebrating its success in training critical health workers.
Sara Juko, Country Director for Tutapona, shared her inspiring journey from finance to leadership in mental health. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in articulating the importance of mental health and expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained through the program. Sara encouraged graduates to make a lasting impression in the mental health and psychosocial field, reminding them of the profound impact their work would have on individuals and communities. Her words resonated deeply with the graduates, many of whom had similar stories of overcoming challenges to complete the program.
The student representative, Marieke, who works with an organization in Uganda providing trauma counselling to war-affected communities, shared her experience of attending the course. She thanked the university team, lecturers, and coordinators for their support and guidance, emphasizing how the course content had practical applications in her workplace and personal life. Marieke’s words highlighted the real-world relevance of the program and its potential to transform lives, both for the graduates and the communities they serve.
Sean Clarke, CEO of Education Clarke Group, expressed his pride in the program and its partnership with Tutapona. He emphasized the rarity of such successful collaborations in Uganda and the positive reputation the program has garnered. Sean shared a personal connection to the field, mentioning his daughter’s interest in mental health and his admiration for the graduates’ commitment. He encouraged them to make a difference in their communities and to carry forward the values of compassion and resilience.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of CIU, Dr. Milka Singh, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and encouraged graduates to stay connected with the university and each other. He expressed gratitude for the association with Tutapona and the successful implementation of the program, wishing the graduates success in their future endeavours.
The ceremony was brought to a close by the Academic Registrar, who delivered a powerful charge to the graduates. She called upon them to go out into the world and represent both Clarke International University and Tutapona with pride, integrity, and excellence. Her words served as a rallying cry, inspiring the graduates to carry forward the legacy of hope, healing, and resilience. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 – the world is waiting for your light to shine!