By Fr. Stefano Yu, SDB

Honiara, Solomon Islands, December 12, 2015 - Saturday saw Don Bosco Technical Institute-Henderson all set for closing of the academic year, but with great excitement.

The day began with Carol Singing Competition with each class presenting one or more carols in a creative way. Each class was allotted 8 minutes of performing time. It was surprising that most of the carols were in the local languages. We had an international group of judges: Ms. Camari the former Principal, Mrs. Isabel Hill, a Filipina married to a New Zealander and working in the Solomon Islands, and Miss Louise Quan, who just landed the previous day from Canberra where she is studying in the National University of Australia. The criterion for the judges were time-limit, melody, costumes & effect, Christmas message.

The melodious voices of the ladies of the Senior Life Skills won the first prize, while the action-packed performance of the Senior MFM won the 2nd prize and the Junior Automotives’ carols accompanied by dance won the 3rd prize. While the judges were busy adding up the points the Boarders of Rua Haus had the 3 wise men from the east visit DBTI, and traditional Christmas carols with superb dancing. They stole the show though had no prizes.

The Recognition program began at 10.00 am with Mrs. Ethel Sigimanu (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs) as the Chief Guest. She was glad to be present since her Ministry was very much interested in whatever and wherever youth found creativivity. She distributed Certificates and Prizes to the best in each class in the Technology subjects, Academic subjects, the one who made most progress during the year and those who neve missed a class during the year. And finally, certificates were given to those of the 2nd year who successfully completed the SALT (Servanthood and Leadership Training) program which had 3 components: (i) overnight animation program (ii) a minimum of 12 hours of service to the community during weekends or holidays (iii) keeping a logbook recording the type of work done, place and time, attested by the Class patron or the community leader, and recording their most significant human experiences and their reflections on the experience.

Each class collected their Christmas cake and proceeded to their classrooms to share their cake and to collect their transcripts of the year.

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