Jun 13, 2025

Zaman Awards Over 100 Certificates and Credentials Awarded at Annual Graduation Event

Closing out the academic year, Zamanitarians assembled at Ford Field Park in Dearborn to celebrate program graduates and distribute credentials they earned. Over 100 certificates were awarded, including certificates of completion for Zaman’s vocational training and entrepreneurship programs, industry standard credentials, and newly endorsed Michigan Apprenticeship Readiness Certificates (MARCs). Several of the organization’s 125 ESL literacy students also received special recognition awards for their achievements and commitment to language learning. 

 

Oranos Raouf considered the challenges she and many other ESL literacy students have faced as she addressed the crowd: “This is a big moment for me, because being here and speaking with you was something I once thought would never be possible. I was never afraid to learn, but life made it hard. They [Zaman] made it possible that I learned in a way that fit my life, so that slowly my skills and confidence improved.” All of Zaman’s education and training programs are designed to meet students where they are in life, offering resources and schedules to help overcome barriers that many single mothers face. 

In addition to certificates of completion, all of Zaman’s sewing and culinary students also earned a new credential thanks to a recent endorsement from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The MARC credential signifies that students are ready to become Registered Apprentices at the time of graduation – whether in Zaman’s apprenticeship program or anywhere else in the state. Students in both areas of study also earn industry credentials, including ServSafe and American Hotel and Lodging Association credentials in culinary arts and baking, and NOCTI credentials in sewing. 

Culinary, baking, and entrepreneurship graduate Charisse Copeland reflected on the culinary program as one of its star students: “This is more than just a program – it’s where hope rises, just like the bread in the oven, where dignity is restored through skill, care, and compassion.” Many students apply their new and developing vocational skills to business plans throughout the one-year entrepreneurship program, which covers everything from product development and marketing to business registration and more. Graduate Kousar Ghazvini explained the personal impact of her experience at Zaman, “this [program] completely changed the way I see myself. It helped me realize, not only is my dream possible, but I know exactly what I want and what I need to do to get there.”

Zaman’s no-cost education and training programs serve between 100 and 150 women annually who are working toward sustainable futures for themselves and their families. You can support these programs and our future graduates by making a donation today.