By Nigel Akuani, CBC SOCOM
and Atira Basil, 9 Besucco, DBTS

Port Moresby, PNG, 28 November 2020 -- “You are sons of Don Bosco and as you step out into the next phase of your lives, always remember to strive to be good Christians and honest citizens,” said Fr Alfred Maravilla SDB, General Councillor for Missions Rome to graduates of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, (DBTS) Gabutu. He said that Don Bosco Technical School has not only given them a pathway or opportunity to open the doors of employment or further education, but also has given them spiritual and holistic formation.

Fr. Alfred made the statement during the school’s 23rd Speech Day held on Friday 27 November, at the Kurongku Hall, that graduated a total of 250 students from both Grade Twelve and the Industrial Training Course 2. The ceremony had as its theme: “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.”

Special guests included DBTS Rector, Fr. Pedro Sachitula SDB; Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB, General Councillor for Missions Rome; and Fr Gregorio Bicomong SDB, Provincial Superior of PNGSI; and Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, Social Communications Secretary of CBCPNGSI. Also present to show their support for the graduates were guests, Salesians, Religious, Staff, Academic and industrial representatives, family and friends.

Fr. Alfred in his keynote speech highlighted the ceremony’s theme and encouraged graduates to always strive throughout their lives in upholding the theme. “When you go out from here and into society, be good Christians and honest citizens so that your work in society is meaningful and fulfilling,” he stressed.

Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB, Rector of DBTS in his opening speech spoke of excellence and the need to strive to be good Christians and Honest citizens where they may be. He also reminded them that there are no-ex Bosconians and that being a Bosconian is a way of life.

Deputy of Student Affairs, Mr. Narol Sapak, told of the intense preparations that were made in hosting the graduation but admitted to all the effort made being worth it in the end in honuor of the departing Year Twelve students. “So much hard work was put in to prepare for today because our graduating students of Grade Twelve and ICT2 really outperformed our expectations especially in their academic subjects,” he said.

Mr. Martin Dai, Principal of DBTS, reminded graduates to remember their formation and training as Bosconians and urged for them to guide their lives using the values and principles gained from DBTS. “A Bosconian is about using the experience you have gained to positively shape how you see and interact with the world around you,” he said.

The valedictorian address was given by Patrick Mu-uh of Twelve Rinaldi, who graduated with a Certificate in Machine Fitting and Machinists. In his address he thanked the Salesian Community and DBTS Staff for imparting to them the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed in their lives and become role models in their communities. Trevor Dauba of Twelve Albera was the proud recipient of the Grade 12 Academic Excellence Award in the Science Stream.

The day’s program had the presentation of awards in Academics Technical Skills, Company sponsored scholarships and the Conferring of Certificates. Fr Gregorio led the graduates in their induction into the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association.

The Graduation also had some wonderful sponsors that included Datec, Remington, ITI Training Institute and many more.

A graduation song entitled ‘Dream It Possible’ was proudly sung by the joy filled graduates and all present before the ceremony came to an official end. The distribution of light meals and refreshments were given at the end to all present.

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