By Ms. Arlene Abital

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - SHORT COURSE students successfully graduated on the 24th of July 2015, after an eight-week training course at Don Bosco Technological Institute, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The graduation ceremony was witnessed by Fr. Peter, SDB-Delegate Superior of PNG/SI, Fr. Louie, SDB-DBTI Rector, Pastor Kurt-CEO of City Mission, Mr. Kinsella Geoffrey, National Training Council Director together with the entire student body, Salesian Educators and other guests.

The 19 successful candidates who came from Vada Vada and the City Mission completed an eight-week training in House Wiring Installation and General Motor Vehicle Servicing. Apart from their technology, they also underwent Basic English lessons.

PNG-SI Delegate Fr. Peter Baquero, SDB, said “The missionaries give you knowledge and skills. Use these in opportunities you have to sustain yourselves and to contribute to the development of your country.”

The Rector of the Institute, Fr. Louie Castaῆeda, SDB said, “This First Short Course graduation ceremony is the start of the many in the years ahead that we look forward to. It is in fulfillment of Don Bosco’s dream that we help our young people coming from the less privileged sector of society. This is indeed a beautiful gift of Don Bosco to our young people in this Bicentenary year of His Birth.”

Representatives of the graduating students expressed their thanks. Lascolm Kerahu, on behalf of the ten General Motor Vehicle Servicing graduates said, “Thank you DBTI for offering this course for free. We the less privileged youth of PNG have now learnt the basics of fixing a motor vehicle.” Anthony Tiwae in his speech on behalf of the nine House Wiring Installation graduates said, “It is an honor to thank DBTI for the wonderful experiences I have had here. Above all, I have learned the Basics of House Wiring Installation. All nine of us are proud to have achieved skills to enhance our lives.”

The invited guest speaker, Mr. Kinsella Geoffrey, National Training Council Director thanked and commended DBTI. Commenting on the motto of the school, ‘Competence and Character’, he said, “The DBTI students stand out among the other institutes, due to the institute’s insistence in developing the ‘Competence and Character’ of its students”. He added that DBTI has been developing the human resources of the country and many have come to NTC for registration as trainers. He also encouraged the students graduating from DBTI to visit NTC and look at the availability of possible scholarship opportunities at the NTC Secretariat.

Pastor Kurt in his closing remarks said, “Thank you DBTI for opening your door and fulfilling a dream of vocational training to the Vada Vada and the youth members of City Mission.”

The whole student body applauded the achievements of the 19 students. They received certificates and gifts as rewards to the completion of their eight-week training. “Once a Bosconian, Always a Bosconian,” said the master of ceremonies as the program came to a happy end.

DBTI, Port Moresby offers Diploma and Bachelor programs at the Institute. The Institutes’ Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan for community engagement and outreach program has now moved a step further through this joint venture of DBTI and City Mission, PNG.