Monday, September 29, 2014

Graduation high school 2014, Woleai, Micronesia.

Graduation from high school students in Woleai Atoll, Micronesia.


The graduation ceremony is the highlight of the year in Woleai Atoll, Government officials, politicians, organizers, friends and family make a special effort, so this day is very special, lots of food is being cooked for every body attending the ceremony, gifts are being exchanged, all the dancers and the graduates are beautiful dressed up. we were very happy that we were invited to be on this ceremony, and experience this special culture.





The graduate is being dressed up, turmeric powder is put on his body. 

The parents or family members are helping with the dressing for the ceremony.


The school and playground is made up with flowers and plants.

The " theme" of the day.


Students entering the ceremony, this is a walk with many side and back passes, done on music, so that the entry takes maybe 15 minutes to cover 50 meters of distance, very beautiful to see.






After the officially talking the graduates are getting their certificates.

A necklace was also given as a gift.


From family and friends the graduates get gifts, sweets, and flower crowns.


A paddle and a fish trap as a gift.


This young girl who just received her certificate, walks very bend down, to show here respect for the men.


Student thanking the teachers.





Very emotional goodbye from the old student leader, and the welcome of the new student leader.



Students standing in row to receive compliments from the people.



Students getting compliments and sweets from family and friends.


Teacher of culture Joanna.



Sitting dance and singing from the local dance group.




Eddy with some local beauties.


The boy's singing and dancing.


The party is over, people are going home... What a wonderful experience!!


A wonderful experience 31 may 2014, Graduation Elementary School in Woleai Atoll, Federated states of Micronesia.



Day's before the graduation the community works hard to arrange and organize the event in Woleai,  I am happy to have helped with the preparations, to cook local food with the lady's in Woleai.
We had a great time...Thanks to all the beautiful people of Woleai.


The School and playground get decorated for the graduation.


The seniors wearing their beautiful costumes. They cover their bodies with flowers, coconut oil and yellow turmeric powder. 



Presentation of diploma, and I made necklaces for the graduates as surprise gift.





Eddy was asked to give a speech. We were one of the honor guests in the graduation. 


Some students, who had good results, were given some extra attention.


Graduates' Speech Avery Tyler, Jr. the son of Tino, the principal of the Elementary School.



Girls in Woleai wear skirts of dried palm leaves, as part of their tradition, only when the girl has her first menstrual period is permitted to use lava lava.


The kids enjoying the day. 

Graduates singing.




The entry and leaving of the graduates is done with a special walk on music, it takes maybe 15-20 minutes to walk the 100 meters because there are a lot of back and side steps.




Woelai children are adorable.


Chief Francisco Mairaal and Chief Manno Buchoitil


Eddy with our friend Tino. (principal)







Time for everyone to congratulate the graduates.



 Sitting dance.


The whole graduation is a party for children and adults, lot of laughing and joking.


Standing dance.



A cute boy. Children and girls like to put red lipstick on there face as a decoration.

 With local friends.



Presents given to us, baskets full of food, and woven handbags.