From 11 through 24 October 2007, the eighteen student nurses presented their TFE or End of School Year Theses. Here are photos of a few of these students:

Student Nurse Merline demonstrating
Student Nurse Merline demonstrating
Proper Handwashing Technique
which is vitally important in a hospital setting

Student Nurse Mirantsoa gave an
excellent presentation concerning
mothers breastfeeding for the first time

Student Nurse Silla (in center)
posing with some instructors at
the completion of her presentation

Some of the student nurses celebrating
after the completion of a presentation.

Eighteen student nurses inside
the church shortly before the service began

Student Nurses lined up outside
Mahazoarivo Lutheran Church before the graduation ceremony

Finally, the day each of these student nurses had been awaiting …. GRADUATION DAY.
The graduation ceremony took place on 30 October 2007 at Mahazoarivo Lutheran Church in Antsirabe where the majority of the student nurses worshipped during their three years of study. These students chose the name of FANDRESENA or VICTORY as their theme, with the graduation theme verse taken from Revelations 3:12a, “He who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God…”. During the sermon, the Malagasy Lutheran Church Secretary General, Pastor Samuel Georges, reminded the students that “life is not always easy,” and that they should remember these words from Revelations 3:12. And that “Jesus is the basis of our being. If you follow Jesus, you will be victorious,” also emphasizing verse 11, “…hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

After the students receiving their diplomas and could officially be called “nurses,” four SALFA (Malagasy Lutheran Church Health Department) employees received bronze and/or silver work medals depicting the number of years they have been working. These included Dr. Richard, physician-surgeon at Andranomadio Lutheran Hospital; Nurse Armand currently medical chief at Antanetitelo Health Center; Mr. Lucien, one of the drivers for the tuberculosis program at the national level; and Dr. Julie, SEFAM or Nursing School Director.

During the speeches, recent Graduate Nurse MERLINE (that is her full name), gave a thank you speech on behalf of the graduation class. She was the class president and is one of the nurses chosen to work at Manambaro Lutheran Hospital.

The Nursing Pledge was recited by these 18 student nurses, which states:

“Before God and this church, I pledge to comport myself well and to complete my tasks impartially.

I will refuse to do anything corrupt or undignified; according to my own personal choice, I will neither receive nor distribute any dangerous drugs.

I promise to provide the best possible care in order to give nursing a good name; plus I will keep in confidentiality whatever has been entrusted to me by the families during my working hours.

I will assist the physicians in fulfilling their duties in complete respect, providing my services with love and demonstrating my trust, in order to assist those for whom I care to the best of my ability.

Upon the completion of the graduation ceremony, invited guests joined the graduates at a buffet luncheon at Faravohitra in Antsirabe.

See the following graduation photos …….