Its been a long year for the class of 2008. Due to various circumstances, this years students spent two months longer than normal at the college. So it was with a great sense of achievement that the final exams were polished off and the end of year festivities could begin!

Once again, the Green Futures has had a 100% pass rate this year, so every one of the 12 young people that started the course walks away with their AGRISETA accredited diploma. Job hunting has also been occurring in earnest over the last few weeks, and some of the graduates are moving as far a field as Bettys Bay to take up positions. Thanks to expansion at the Green Futures Nursery, we have even managed to hold on to one or two of the knowledgeable youngsters, who will be an integral part of upcoming landscaping projects.

Graduation was a joyous affair, held at De Uijlenes near Grootbos. The graduates were dressed superbly for the occasion, and guests included local journalists, the entire Green Futures Team, several Grootbos staff and various people that have been instrumental in the success of the past year. Grootbos Foundation director Sean Privett did the honours of handing over the certificates, while Susan Lochner made a passionate speech about her strong feeling towards Green Futures.

After receiveing their commendations, the graduates had a fantastic time enjoying the sunshine and dam adjacent to De Uijlenes, and were then treated to a fantastic braai complete with celebratory cakes!

A great day, to say farewell to a wonderful class.