Cathy Rizzo

“Two weeks earlier, I was in Mississauga, lining up students, adjusting caps and gowns, and proudly sharing in the excitement of celebrating years of hard work, angst, and accomplishment. Graduation is a celebration of our students in community with those present and in our hearts. It’s a moment when we celebrate both the child and the village — because it truly does take a village to raise our children.

Two weeks later, there I was in The Gambia, invited to attend that very same experience. What an honour to share in celebration with Gambian educators and families at Charles Jowe Memorial Academy’s Graduation Ceremony. I saw teachers lining up students, adjusting caps and gowns, and proudly watching as their students’ smiles radiated joy and hope for the future.

I walked away from this experience with a renewed understanding of our collective responsibility to provide accessible, quality education everywhere—and the role we play in that, as part of a union and federation. I left with a newfound love for The Gambia, its rich cultural history, and its natural landscapes—complete with cheeky monkeys and juicy mangoes. I also left with one of the most impactful professional development experiences I have ever had the opportunity to engage in—and I feel blessed to have shared it with a team of brilliant, passionate teachers.

The Smiling Coast of Africa welcomed us into their “village,” and it was an experience I will forever cherish."