By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Simbu, PNG, 4 November 2017 -- Don Bosco Simbu Technical College hosted its biannual Cultural Show on 4th November, 2017 on the school grounds. This year, the students of the school were joined by groups from the parish and the region, as it formed part of the celebrations for the blessing and dedication of the Shrine of Don Bosco to be held the following day.

Vibrant colours, especially that of black, white, red and yellow, were seen in the bilas (dress) of the different groups, as they are part of the colours of the National Flag of Papua New Guinea. Shells, feathers and paint formed intricate designs for each group. Cries, chants and lines specific to the occasion rent the air from different corners of the dancing arena. While spears, bows and arrows were brought along, the East Sipik group astonished the crowd with a live crocodile. An estimated crowd of two thousand persons participated in the event.

Delight and excitement rent the air as the people to welcomed His Excellency John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby on his first visit to the place. In speaking to the people he urged them to ensure that their culture gave glory to God. “We grow in our culture and celebrating it, we give glory to God”, he said.

Present for the celebration were several dignitaries: Mr Bari Palma, MP for Kerowagi open electorate and vice minister for mining; Mrs. Rossa Apelis, first assistant secretary TVET Curricular and Ms. Violet Gegua, Director for TVET Curriculum, Fr. Alfred Maravilla sdb, Provincial, PGS Vice-province; Rectors from the different institutions of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, priests, religious, parishioners, students and friends.

TVET Curriculum and e-Learning Directorate, First Assistant Secretary, Mrs Rossa Apelis said, “Culture is important as it gives us our identity and unites us. Your culture is your language, your dress and the way you live. As you sing and dance, display your identity, purpose, values and make sure that it leads you to live a good and significant life.” Fr. Jiji Kalavanal sdb, visitor from India, praised the different colours and dresses and reminded them of the beauty of the culture. “The richness of your culture is in the diversity of Papua New Guinea. Celebrate your diversity and may it bring you closer to each other”, he said.

“As a Papua New Guinean, this Cultural Show gives us the opportunity to take pride in our culture and express our gratitude to Don Bosco for all that we have learnt during these years. It helps us understand the importance of our culture and preserve it for future generations”, said Wattie Kerowa, Final Year Accounting student and the MC for the occasion.

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