By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, April 5, Mana:  151 students graduated from Glee Grace Hospitality and Tourism Academy, in Blantyre on Friday at its first graduation since the establishment of the academy four years ago at Blantyre Lodge campus.

Out of 151 students, 147 were females while four were males, and all received certificates in various fields of hospitality and tourism.

Speaking during the ceremony, Marketing Brand Manager for Multi Choice Malawi, Susan Mpunga, encouraged the newly graduated students to be dedicated to duty and uphold work ethic wherever they will work.

“Don’t belittle yourselves. Keep working hard; you have what it takes not just to look for job opportunities, but to create your own business opportunities using the skills you have gained from this institution,” said Mpunga.

The Principal of Glee Grace Hospitality and Tourism Academy, Jonathan Samalani, said the institution will hold more graduation ceremonies in the future to gain recognition and to also inspire students and make parents and guardians proud.

Samalani added that the institution operates under two streams: a private stream, where students pay K150,000 per semester, and a bursary stream supported by Blantyre Malabada legislator, Ishmael Mkumba.

“This institution was initially established to help people of Blantyre Malabada Constituency with bursary schemes. We are therefore committed to equip other students with required skills in the hospitality and tourism industry,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of fellow students, Brian Jordan Maonga, pledged to add value to the nation’s hospitality and tourism industry through the acquired skills and knowledge from Glee Grace Tourism and Hospitality Academy.

The ceremony was spiced up by students’ various performances.