BURHANI NURSERY SCHOOL

TANGA,TANZANIA

The air was festive with excitement. A red letter day for Burhani nursery school on Saturday 13th November, 2021. The young graduates looked smart in their gowns.

Parents, teachers and distinguished guests were gathered to applaud and acknowledge the little giant steps taken by the 2021 graduates.

As the curtain rose, Quran recitation filled the air, beautifully recited by Kg 3 pupil, Burhanuddin Muffadal.

All rose as the pupils sang National Anthem and little hands were lifted in School Prayer. They believe that love for one's country is part of faith. Put God first and you will never be last.

A masterful welcome speech was then given by the Headteacher of Nursery, who is the pioneer of Burhani school, a strong resolute pillar for more than 25years, possessing rich expertise, Madam Rashida Inayat.

A beautiful welcome Song followed, little skirts in yellow and black tops made beautiful costume as they held sturdy sunflower craft cut-out props in their hands, weaving magic into the whole dance with pretty dancing eyes and glowing suffusing cheeks. And what did the sunflowers have to say? Be bright and cheery, be big and bold, be strong and resilient, know your roots and be hard to miss in a room!

Foundation 1 pupils presented fancy dress programme of flowers and bees. Their outfits were shaped as roses, periwinkle, hibiscus, jasmine and so on. Indeed, all the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today. In the words of Abaida Mahmood, "Let them bloom by giving them your warm smiles, your soft gentle words falling on them like rain and your art of confidence. You will be amazed at your own garden."

Blooming and fragrant, they stole our hearts, little flowers!

Their presentation was like a beautiful garden, a fusion of flowers buzzing with bees, with a promise of potful of honey everytime you smiled at them.

A drama on selfish Crocodile was enacted. It touched in themes of bullying, empathy, sharing and a sense of community. A remarkable performance which proved the students' competence and skill, in entering primary section with confidence.

The story was to portray the perils of being selfish and the importance of helping others. For it was only when a brave mouse stepped out from the crowd and saved the day that the crocodile learnt the value of friendship and realized that life is so much better when it is not lived alone. The powerful and mighty need help, too, and however small one may feel or look like, you could make a big difference in the world.

Next was Kiswahili play enacted by kg 3 pupils, Watoto Safi Moyoni. Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent. Someone said it right, to be in your children's memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.

A shayari was included to further stress the point, in the words of a poet named Bin Ukasha:

Nawausiya wazazi, kuhusu hawa wanangu,

Inafaa tuwaenzi, kuepuka ya uchungu,

Tusiwatie simanzi,kufunzwa na ulimwengu,

Yatia kizunguzungu, mitandao punguzeni.

Tabia za mwana-mzazi, ndiye aziboreshaye,

Mwalimu hilo hawezi, mwana angashinda naye,

Makosa yetu wazazi, wengi tusisingiziye,

Awali tuangaliye, makosa yetu wazazi.

Wana wetu ni mauwa, viluwa na liwaridi,

Ambayo yakichanuwa, ni njema zetu juhudi,

Mwanao akisifiwa, sifa ni kwako hurudi,

Na akiwa mkaidi, machoni utatizamwa..

Foundation 2 pupils had an outstanding performance named The Hungry Caterpillar.

A hungry Caterpillar who emerges from an egg and begins eating everything in sight. After six days of eating fruits, sweets and junk food, she gets a stomach ache. On the seventh day, the Caterpillar east a 'nice leaf' and feels much better.

The caterpillar atlast turned into a beautiful buttery after making the right choice. Leaves, yes! Too many sweets and junk food gave her a stomach ache. She had to make a healthy choice inspite of her cravings. You can't enjoy wealth, happiness and beauty if you are not in good health.

The repetitive movements in Mass Drill was a sight to behold. Expertly performed by the young ones. It surely improves focus and skill. Moving your arms and legs, your muscles become sore at times. But the pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow.

A lovely weather poem was recited by four pupils, written and prepared by Madam Sakina Dossaji. Every day children wake up to different kinds of weather. For them, sun means a luxurious dip in the pool or outdoor games. For farmers, a longing for rain as the sun's heat causes ocean surface to evaporate, to condense and fall in torrents, only for the cycle to continue. Rain, for them, is to splash in the puddles, bobbing paper boats, admiring their tiny umbrellas, as the farmers rejoice and reap fruits of their harvest soon after.

It is true, we all have our days. Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.

A solo poem by Burhanuddin Edris followed next with little Fareeda on the mat, feigning pretentious sickness. The title was 'Sick' by 'Shel Silverstein'.

It was beautifull recited. It was a light hearted depiction of a child who does whatever he can to convince his parents that he can't go to school.

But once he discovered that it was a Saturday, he raced out of the room forgetting all his woes!

Poetry helps kids develop their memory and brain power. Rhythm and rhyme helps in phonological awareness, to read better and to be equipped with a rich vocabulary.

It was quite an emotional moment when kg 3 pupils sung Bye Bye Song.

It was beautifully performed. A captivating performance indeed. A message for our beloved graduates: Hold on to your uncanny gift of finding everything into nothing of not only seeing seven wonders in the world but a several thousand so work hard and play straight and may you stay in your spirit and soul forever young.

An appreciative Vote of thanks speech followed, by Madam Tasneem of Burhani Primary, a woman of Substance, knowledgeable, fondly known as iron lady, strong-willed for the betterment of our school at large.

After a short refreshment break, nursery teachers were introduced. They were applauded for their good work.

Our guest of honour, Mr Lusajo Gwakisa Kamwela who is Secondary School education officer was unable to attend unfortunately. On behalf of Mr Lusajo, Madam Hilda Lukas received the Guest of Honour Award from our revered committee member, Mr Mustafa Bhai Zavery.

The much awaited Certificate Presentation Ceremony was honourably awarded by Madam Hilda, Head teacher of St Christina School and other dignitaries like board members and revered guests.

The euphoria was palpable in the faces of parents and graduates alike.

They poised for a photo shoot. Finally they graduated!

Vote of thanks was given by kg 3 pupil, Austin.

A Bye Bye song finally put an end to the beautiful evening.

All teachers were appreciated for their direct or indirect involvement in the pupils' learning journey, parents were thanked for the fantastic role they played in facilitating it.

The children were reminded fondly, that there are no goodbyes for us. "Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts."

Mr Sammy, the head teacher of overall schools, was applauded for his strength and vision which paves way to success, turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

The teachers affirm that their growth is only possible because of the untiring tutelage of our revered committee members.

Birthday felicitation to the founder of the institution, His Holiness Syedna Aliqadr Muffadal Saifuddin Saheb t.u.s. A long, healthy, happy life to him. Ameen.

Parents were heartily reminded that as promised, hand in hand, we have finally reached the shore.

The show was hosted by Madam Sakina Dossaji.

It was a day to remember. The young ones were showered with flowers, cakes and gifts from their parents. A moment of pride, indeed, one that will leave a lasting memory etched in the walls of our school hall - yes! definitely one more year of promised accomplishments.