[Lgpolicy-list] [lg policy] South Africa: English for Professional Development Certificate Ceremony 2014

[Harold Schiffman]

English for Professional Development Certificate Ceremony 2014
On Friday, 31 October 2014, the English for Professional Development (EPD)
unit hosted its annual certificate ceremony. It was a glamorous affair.
Students and facilitators dressed up for the occasion. It was clear that
people who enjoy studying English also have a good sense of fashion.
[image: English for Professional Development Certificate Ceremony 2014 -
Wits Language School]
<http://www.bizcommunity.com/Image.aspx?cii=245959&i=122391&ct=1>
Everyone was welcomed by Eugene Mathey, our talented master of ceremonies.
Lambrine Pavlou, EPD coordinator, delivered an inspirational speech in
which she highlighted that our students and their families are true
examples of people who have vision and who commit to support each other in
their endeavours. She placed emphasis on the role of the facilitators and
what they make: they make their students "wonder, question, criticise,
write and read, read, read! They make them understand that if you have the
brains, then follow your heart. And if someone ever tries to judge you by
what you make in money, you pay them no attention." Last, but most
definitely not least, they make a difference.

Lambrine was followed by the director of Wits Language School, Dr Kim
Wallmach, who stressed the value of education. "One gains not only
knowledge when one studies, but one also gains experience, the ability to
overcome challenges and succeed at realising one's goals. Furthermore, one
gains confidence in oneself and, most importantly, one gains freedom."

This thought was continued by our very charismatic guest speaker, Greg
Maloka, MD at Kaya FM. Greg used the metaphor of a seed that grows into a
budding tree to explain this generation's responsibility to pass on their
knowledge and expertise to the next generation. He explained that we
probably won't see the tree, but we are to plant the seed and water it so
that future generations may enjoy its fruit. He also mentioned South
Africa's unique language policy and the related challenge of ensuring that
one's children learn and maintain their mother tongue and yet develop
proficiency in English, which is the accepted language of education and
business.

After Greg's thoughtful and humorous address, the moment that had been most
anticipated by all arrived: it was time to award our students with their
certificates.

Students proudly received their certificates and enjoyed having their
photographs taken - we wouldn't have wanted those carefully put together
outfits to go un-photographed!

Several students received 'Special Mention Awards' for completing three or
more courses and for traveling great distances to be in class every
Saturday: Marinda de Villiers, Rudzani Magagane, Day Maluleke, Mduduzi
Mashaba, Renias Mutshipisi, Bongi Shibabmbo, Patrick Tlhomelang and Vuyile
Tshabalala. We were also very happy that several of our Pretoria students
attended the ceremony.

After all the certificates had been received there really was only one
thing left to do: EAT! We all proved that we LOVE good food and good
conversation - English conversation, of course!

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/499/122391.html

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