By Nigel Akuani

       Gabutu, Port Moresby, 22 October 2022 -- “Whether we realize it or not, the choices we make today define who we become in future,” was the reflective and cautionary remark given by students to young listeners of Radio Maria PNG.

       The six students all doing Grade-Eleven at the Don Bosco Technical Secondary School Gabutu, made the expression during Radio Maria’s ‘Tokaut-Stret’ program on Wednesday 19th October 2022.

       The students were Anthony Molen, John Kawapuro, Joachim Gahekave, Kristoffa Ephraim, Gad Walaun, and Luther Kuelinad. Their talk focused on the topic ‘Helping students and youth make Responsible Choices’ and dwelled on its various social aspects and its impact on the younger generation.

       John Kawapuro, said that although being young and growing up meant learning and exploring new territories, he called on students and youth to start making right decisions and taking responsibility for their actions. “If you care about those around you, then you will exercise control in the choices you make so that it benefits them and also yourself,” he stated.

       “Part of being young means being carefree, being influenced by our peers, basically following the crowd because we are still learning. But we must also try to consider the outcome of what might happen and how it will affect us individually,” he added.

       Emphasizing the importance of adult support and care, Joachim Gahekave, said that by appreciating the accomplishments of young people it not only bolstered their confidence but also drove their motivation to always strive in doing the right thing. “We have just begun our journey and we are still learning the ropes in life, all the more reason why we need to be constantly reminded and guided by our elders. The traits we learn from our elders today determines our character and who we become in future,” he said.

       Ending their discussion, Luther Kuelinad, appealed to young people throughout the nation to always pray to God for guidance to be able to make choices that benefit themselves and the people they care about. “I’ve made a lot of bad choices in my life, even nearly costing me my own life. Since coming to DBTS, I’ve changed and have come to realise God’s wisdom in my choices by making the right choice and standing by it. Do what you feel is right for you and don’t let others tell you what to do,” he further said.

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