Graduation 2005

The last few weeks have been full of important events, including three graduations and a reunion.

Graduation at each center is very moving and important. The Agricultural School held its graduation this year in Talanga, which is the nearest town. It is a bustling place, although none of the streets are paved. Near the center of town is a large hall, the Cultural Center, where the ceremonies were held. We began with a Eucharist. Nelson and Kara, who have been the chaplains to the school, presided over the service. Both were ordained to the diaconate this past month. Kara’s father, who is an Episcopal priest from Canada, was able to help with the service, and I did the Eucharistic prayer. After the Eucharist, we had the graduation ceremony for the 14 boys who have successfully completed their program. Each boy received personal attention during the ceremony. Afterward, we all shared lunch together. Many of the boys had family members there to mark their achievement.

The Institute graduation was the first at our new site. This was a small class, so there were only 7 boys graduating. A tent had been set up over the soccer court, and graduation was held there. The boys all worked very hard to beautify the campus for the event, and were very successful. God cooperated by giving us a comfortably cool day without rain. Afterward, there was food and dancing. The moon was almost full, and the new building looked beautiful in the light. The smaller boys from El Hogar came to take part, and enjoyed running and playing in the grass after the graduation celebration. Families mingled and talked. It was a magical evening.

Graduation at El Hogar was also wonderful. They also celebrated the ceremony under a tent set up on the soccer court. We had a visiting choir from a Roman Catholic church take part. We also had the marimba band play, and the folk dancing group perform. 11 boys graduated from 6th grade, and 11 from prep. The 6th grade boys will spend one more year at El Hogar. The others will go to the Institute or the Farm next year. Afterward, tables, with tablecloths, were set out all around the grounds, and the choir provided music. Many of the moms or relatives were there, looking proud. Three of them spoke during the graduation ceremony, expressing their appreciation for the help El Hogar had been to them and their families.

Last year, I think I did not fully appreciate why so much work was put into graduation. This year, knowing more about the boys and their living situations, I think I understand more. Many of these boys come from homes in which they have never been able to eat out. Besides church, they cannot afford to go to any special events. And many of these families struggle from day to day simply to find enough to eat. These graduations are special events in their lives. They mark an important achievement for the family, and also an occasion for looking their best and being able to eat a meal provided for them. As I visit homes, I often notice pictures of graduations on the walls. It is important for them.

The other event which recently took place was the first-ever reunion of El Hogar graduates. Around 30 showed up, shared stories, talked about what God was doing in their lives, ate lunch together, and gave us the latest details of their lives. I am happy to report that most of them are doing well. They have jobs, their faith has been a sustaining force in their lives, and they cite El Hogar as having been important in giving them opportunities for change for the better. They left already talking about next year’s reunion. Afterward, Lazaro and Claudia and Balbino said how encouraged they were by seeing these young men. It was a reminder to them of why they work so hard for the welfare of the El Hogar boys.

Que Dios lo Bendiga,

The Rev. Rich Kunz
Executive Director
El Hogar Projects


See a list of 2005 graduates from all three centers here.



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