Graduation party inspired by Lord of the Rings!
By Rafael Nunes & Susan Steffensen
Friday the 7th of February was a big day for the whole community here at CICD.
14 students had come back to the College after the last period of “Bringing it to the Public”. They had been giving presentations for hundreds of people in 8 countries about their development work in Zambia and Malawi.
Together they finished their programme with a Graduation Party where all of us, students and staff, celebrated their achievements with a special evening programme.
The students got their diplomas and enjoyed the speeches, remembering a lot of common experiences and results, and there were tears when saying goodbye to their team who had become near and dear friends.
The tradition is that our Gaia team, are responsible for preparing and leading the evening with the dinner and programme. The theme this time was the universe of The Lord of the Rings.
Rafael from the Gaia team had made a welcome speech:
The Fellowship of Change: A Journey Beyond Borders
Dear heroes. Today, as I look at you, I don’t see just individuals. I see a fellowship, a community that has crossed seas, faced challenges, and broken barriers all in the name of something greater: changing the world.
Just like Frodo, Sam, Aragorn, and the many heroes of The Lord of the Rings, you embarked on a journey that many would deem impossible. You left the safety and comfort of your homes, much like the hobbits left the Shire, to face the unknown. You gave your time and hearts to different communities, shared smiles, tears, and dreams.
And, like the Fellowship of the Ring, you discovered that the strength of a journey lies not in one person but in the unity and purpose that guide us. Perhaps at some point, you asked yourselves, "Why me? Why do this?" Just as Frodo bore the weight of the ring, you felt the weight of responsibility.
But as Gandalf wisely said:
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."
And you chose to make your time extraordinary. You faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and, at times, may have felt the journey was too hard.
But remember the words of Sam to Frodo: "There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for." You proved that the fight for a better world, for better lives, and for hope is always worth it. Now, like the heroes returning to the Shire after saving Middle earth, you carry with you something priceless: knowledge, stories, and a transformed spirit.
But just as the hobbits realised upon returning home, the work does not end here. You now have the responsibility to share what you’ve learned, to inspire others to do their part, and to continue being a light for those still in the shadows.
As Aragorn said before the great battle: "This is not the day it ends; this is the day we fight!"
Your work does not end with your return. It only begins. Remember that on this journey, you didn’t just help others, you changed yourselves. The courage, resilience, and love you demonstrate are treasures that no one can ever take away from you.
Welcome back, my heroes. May the spirit of this fellowship live on in each of you, and may we continue together, building a fairer and more compassionate world.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
And you are living proof of that. Thank you for all you’ve done. May the next chapter of your journey be as extraordinary as the last. Farewell.
