austraLasia 746
Welcome to our House - Open day at Don Bosco
- Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb
Director, Catholic Communications Solomons
“We are impressed by our visit to Don Bosco and feel completely at home. It has given the students a broader vision and enabled them realize that skills develop in the young when they are doing things that are creative’ said Jesse Hou, a teacher at Tuvaruhu High School who came along with 15 students. “It has been an eye opener and a learning experience for all of us. We also realize that a vocational school is for anyone, not just for the drop-out students – as everyone has something to offer” stated Unice Tahuniara, who accompanied the Chungh Wah School students.
Over 300 students of the different schools of Honiara spent an enjoyable day at Don Bosco Technical Institute on 24th October, 2003. A welcome in song and dance coordinated by Fr. Nelson Jopia sdb, set the tone for the days programme. They were given a brief understanding of Don Bosco and his style of dealing with the young. The different schools were then taken on a visit to the farm, the workshops, classrooms and were shown the possibilities of extra curricular activities such as basic computer operations, scouting and the library. The young students also had the possibility of hands-on activity at filing, soldering, arc and gas welding.
“Welcome to our house” was neatly displayed on the colorful backdrop of the multipurpose hall. “A house has brothers and sisters that are always there to help”, stated Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector and Principal of the Institute to the gathering, “while a school has students”. In speaking to the large number of girls present, he also stated that Don Bosco would be opening to girls in 2005 if possibilities and circumstances permit it.
As the visitors interacted with the students they also had the possibility of understanding what is expected of the students, and what to expect if one falters. “Discipline and commitment are essential,” stated David Surau, school captain and he outlined his day that begins in the early hours of the morning to enable him arrive at the school before 7.30am – the time the school has its daily assembly.
“With all the problems in Solomon Islands we need to develop Educational possibilities that address the basic skills and enable students develop themselves, their family, community and the country. Its marvelous to see all that is happening here,” said Robert Chris, EURTC Training coordinator who together with others visited the Institute on the occasion.
The first batch of Don Bosco students will hvae their graduation ceremony on 19th November, 2003.
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'austraLasia' is an email news service for
the Salesian Family of Asia-Pacific.
'austraLasia' is an email news service for
the Salesian Family of Asia-Pacific.
