Trinity college graduates 62 Nurses
Trinity college graduates 62 Nurses
An academic journey and pursuit for knowledge that should have lasted three years took a detour and lasted almost four years! But it was worthy the wait as jubilant mood and scenes all filled Trinity Hospital square as 62 nursing and midwifery students took the final stroll in the aisle to receive their hard fought diplomas.
Trinity college of nursing and midwifery on Saturday 18th June graduated 62 students in a colorful ceremony at their school campus in Muona, Nsanje district.
Drawing people from all walks of life and trades, the circumstances surrounding the event, made the functional both emotional and colorful.
In his words during the sermon delivered during the Eucharistic celebration, bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa diocese who is the proprietor of the institution, reminded the graduating students that they have been called to carry out the healing ministry of Christ wherever they are going to work.
Spiced by different social interaction activities, the function remained lively and captivating to the end.
In addressing the gathering during the presentation of diplomas to the graduates, the college principal, Chifundo Chipondeponde applauded the graduates for showing grit and determination during their challenge filled period of study.
“The class graduating today got enrolled on 7th September 2017. Today marks exactly 3 years and 9 months. The class was supposed to finish in September 2020, however, as we all know, we had almost 6 months of school closure in 2020 and few weeks again in 2021 due to covid. This hugely affected their program. But all in all, we are excited that this day has finally come.” Said Chipondeponde.
Chipondeponde took time to celebrate one good feat at the college. The school now has 22 lectures, a thing that never happened in the past. Though good, this has brought housing challenge to the institution.
The principal then shared with all the stake holders present at the function the challenges they are facing. Among them are; the location of the institution in a remote area which impacts on how many enroll at this institution translating into low revenue, but also affecting the cost of living as this bloats their expenses. He therefore called the ministry responsible to make sure that when donors come, they should be directed to partner with colleges in hard to reach areas unlike those in urban areas, which are currently preferred. He also decried lack of a modern teaching theatre and hostels for students. Coupled with this the school has old vehicles the most recent being 14 years old. He calls for assistance from government, donor partners and all stakeholders.
It was disheartening for many to hear of lack of scholarships where as of now nursing is turning out to be career for the rich and not those with passion. Changes in selection criteria have made the situation worse where very few qualify since everyone has to have 6 credits.
Trinity college is planning to introduce new courses at the institution and build more state of the art infrastructure.
The college was established by sisters of Divine providence, a religious congregation under the catholic church.