Celebrating the Graduation of SAFE Academy’s Cohort 7: Empowering Families, Transforming Lives

Celebrating the Graduation of SAFE Academy’s Cohort 7: Empowering Families, Transforming Lives

Sunday, November 17th, 2024, a memorable day that celebrated hope, learning, and the power of family, SAFE Academy graduated its seventh cohort of trained Family Life Mentors and Educators. The academy, a pilot project of Savaye Academy for Family Life Education affiliated with the University of the Pacific, California, USA, marked another milestone in its mission to address family conflicts and nurture stronger home foundations.

Founded by US-based Nigerians and former Babcock University lecturers, Pastors/Drs. Israel and Augusta Olaore, SAFE Academy has become a beacon for family education and healing. At the heart of the academy’s vision lies the drive to provide immediate and effective responses to families in crisis while equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to foster thriving relationships.

Education as a Lifelong Journey

In his opening remarks, the Academy’s President, Pastor/Dr. Israel Olaore, shared profound insights into the complexities of family life. Reflecting on his 37-year marriage, he underscored the importance of continuous learning in family dynamics, stating, “Teaching about families and principles to run them opens my eyes to things I do not know and how best to love my wife.” His heartfelt words emphasized that education about families is an ongoing journey that every household should prioritize.

Dr. Augusta Olaore, co-founder and Academic Director of the academy, provided a glimpse into the academy’s impactful mission. She described families facing crises as experiencing “heart attacks” that require immediate intervention. Her words highlighted the academy’s goal of equipping trained professionals to respond to family crises worldwide, fostering healing and stability across diverse settings.

Graduating a New Generation of Change-Makers

As the Cohort 7 graduates took center stage, Dr. Israel Olaore delivered a stirring charge, invoking the biblical call from Romans 8:16-12, “The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God.” He urged the newly certified mentors to take bold steps in transforming their communities, bringing hope and support to families in need.

Dr. Augusta Olaore added her congratulations, revealing that this cohort’s 27 graduates bring the academy’s total to over 100 certified individuals since its founding spanning from different countries: Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Canada, Australia, and UK. She assured the audience of the academy’s commitment to training even more Family Life Mentors and Educators, expanding its reach and influence.

Building a Lifelong Network

The graduation ceremony also marked the induction of the graduates into the “Tribe,” SAFE Academy’s alumni body. This vibrant network fosters ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth among members. Additionally, six graduates were inducted as Family Life Educators, taking on active roles within the academy to extend its principles to homes, workplaces, marketplaces, and beyond. A few of the fresh graduates took turns to express their happiness and excitement to the academy and her founders on the opportunity, depth of the curriculum and the practicality of the contents, assuring the academy of their dedication towards translating all they have learnt to their communities. One of the graduates, Mr Bolaji Aborisade, in excitement, exclaimed, “wow, this is my first online graduation and it’s nothing short of excellent”

A Legacy of Hope and Transformation

SAFE Academy’s graduation ceremony of Cohort 7 was more than a celebration; it was a powerful testimony to the academy’s enduring commitment to family education and restoration. Through the tireless efforts of its founders and faculty, the academy continues to prepare individuals to tackle the challenges of family life with wisdom, compassion, and resilience.

As these 27 new graduates step into their roles, they carry with them the tools and inspiration to transform lives, ensuring that families everywhere can thrive. Together, they embody the academy’s vision: stronger families, healthier societies, and a better world.