By Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
DJIBOUTI – After four years of studying and learning how to speak better English, 15 students at Horsed Private School of English graduated, Dec. 15, with their parents and some of their teachers from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa looking on to celebrate their accomplishment.
English Discussion Group is an opportunity for CJTF-HOA personnel to talk with students about a variety of topics. The dialogue between both groups helps the students speak better English.
"Every Monday evening for the past six months I've looked forward to spending time with motivated Djiboutian students who want to improve their English," said Marine Master Sgt. Janel Moore, CJTF-HOA staff secretary. "They have learned from us and I have learned so much from them. I've learned they are students who are proud of their culture, country and the future of Djibouti. These students are proof that anyone who is motivated can improve themselves through education."
Army Spc. Cherrymar Pascual, Delta Company 1-294th Infantry light, enjoyed being on hand for the ceremony as well.
"These students worked really hard to achieve this milestone, and I am proud of each and every one of them," said Pascual. "They are the future of Djibouti and the world, so anything we can do to help them be successful is worth doing."
Neima Farah Adaweh, one of the 15 graduates, had one of the biggest smiles of the night because graduating is the tip of the iceberg for her.
"English is the first language of the world, so I know I have to get better at it in order for me to go to the U.S. and become one of the best actresses," Adaweh said.
Hassan Mahamed, Horsed Private School of English teacher, believes this type of curriculum will help his students wherever they may go.
"The English language can be heard around the world, so it's important for our students to learn this important language. Being able to speak English will help them when they travel the world, communicate with other people and achieve their dreams of one day becoming doctors, lawyers, dentists, writers or even a NASCAR driver. Education is life, without it they have no life."