By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB
Photographs: Fr. Ambrose Pereira and John Kawapuro

      Don Bosco Gabutu (Port Moresby) PNG, 30 November 2022 -- Dressed in their flowing black gowns lined with satin blue bands, the graduates of Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS), Gabutu, marched into the Kurongku Hall, on 24 November 2022, to commence the 25th Graduation Ceremony.

      Earlier, a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration celebrated by Fr Pedro Sachitula and Fr Ambrose Pereira was held in the school chapel. In his homily, Fr Pedro dwelt on experiencing joy in our lives and sharing this joy with others. He reminded the students and the parents to place their trust in God, following the example and style of Don Bosco. Fr Angelo Fazzini celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation while Br Philip joined the congregation and together with the staff, parents and friends thanked the Lord for his guidance and blessings on the students during the year.

      Two hundred and twenty-four students lined up for their graduation. 163 were from the ITC2 while 61 were the Grade12 students. Following the Strenna of the Salesian Congregation, the theme for the celebration was: ‘Achievement through Love’. Present for the celebration were parents, benefactors, sponsors, well wishes and friends to congratulate the graduating students.

      Keynote speaker, a former Bosconian enrolled in the first batch of Grade 12, 25 years ago, recalled his opportunity to be given a chance to further his education. Mr Yonithan Kariu, Human Resource Manager at SP Breweries, highlighted the following: 1. Put God first in your life; 2. Strive to make a difference and 3. Be disciplined and you will achieve your dreams. He reminded the students to go beyond money and the career and give back what they have received.

      Many students received Perfect Attendance Awards, while several were recognized for their excellence in the academic and technical fields. Prominent industrial personnel were present for the graduation. Among them were Ms Rebecca Luluaki, Hr Manager Monier Ltd; Mr Mika John Loko, Manager, Air Niugini, Ground Support Limited; Mr Peter Goodwin, Remington Group; Ms Rose Javillonar, International Training Institute, and several others to present their awards and scholarships to the graduating students. Gifts were also presented from Brian Bell, Bishops Brothers, Stop and Shop, Theodist, Pacific Palms Properties and other industries.

      Mr Peter Goodwin, CEO of Remington Group of Companies, awarded Timon Stanley, Electrical Technology student a scholarship award and also then offered him a 4-year apprenticeship scholarship with the Remington Group. “We will teach you all you need to know about Electrical Technology”, he said. He appreciated his dedication and commitment despite the untimely death of his father, faced with a bleak future and few prospects. “We know not what awaits us, and yet still, we strive to achieve”, he told the audience as he encouraged them to work hard every day, with strength of commitment.

      On behalf of the graduates, Bahu Ryan Elijah, thanked the countless people who have supported their struggle and moulded them into the persons they are today. Quoting Paul Junior, he reminded his fellow companions that, “It is not the end, but the beginning”.

      Mr Martin Dai, principal, stressed ‘Gratitude, to God and to Don Bosco’ and reminded the students to be grateful to their parents, the Salesians, their educators and to diffuse what they have learnt to others in the community. The program concluded with the graduates singing ‘Today my life begins’ by Bruno Mars and the Alma Mater song.

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