By Nigel Akuani, 

Rosemary Yambune 

and Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SBD
Photographs: Francis Gemo, DBTI, Boroko

Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 4 November 2020 -- 220 participants from the Salesian Institutions in Port Moresby gathered at Don Bosco Technical School, (DBTS) Gabutu, for the yearly celebration of WANTOK BOSCO 2020. The fun filled faith and formation event had the participation of young people from Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko, Caritas Technical Secondary School, Boroko and Mary Help of Christians Parish, Sabama.

The theme for the event was the Strenna for 2020: ‘Good Christians and Upright citizens.’ Caring for the environment, learning to manage waste using the 3Rs (Reducing, reusing and recycling), experiencing and participating in intense moments of prayer were objectives that the participants dwelt on and engaged with while at the program.

Interactive group sessions by the speakers kept the participants attentive. Sessions dwelt on the theme, the documents of the Holy Father and opened the participants to possible outreach activities. Concrete resolutions of caring and protecting the environment was the highlight of the event. Participants have taken on the task of planting trees and caring for them down the years.

Group building activities gave the participants the opportunity to interact with each other and connect with like-minded persons who are deeply interested in witnessing to their faith. Practical activities harnessed their creative talents and enabled the participants to turn waste materials into something useful. Moments of prayer, the rosary and reflections were occasions to help the participants deepen their connection with God and celebrate their faith through the sacraments.

The loving animating presence of the Salesians, the sisters and facilators highlighted the family spirit. The event was made special by the presence of Fr. Alfred Maravilla, Councillor for the Missions and of Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, Provincial. The animators at the different sessions were Fr Alex Garces, Youth Ministry Delegate; Mr Martin Dai, DBTS Principal; Fr Ambrose Pereira, CBC SOCOM Secretary; Fr Srimal Priyanga, PGS Economer and Mr. Clement Kemokemo.

The well-planned event was organized and coordinated by Fr Pedro Sachitula, Rector of Don Bosco Technical School together with the dedicated Pastoral Team of the school. It concluded with the Eucharistic celebration on the Solemnity of All Saints. According to Fr. Pedro Sachitula, Rector of DBTS, the sessions for the entire camp were crafted to educate and involve students and the general public to develop firm convictions about the need to take care of the environment. “As a way of living and coexisting with the environment, we need to learn ways of managing our waste through reducing, reusing and recycling,” he said.

Comments from the participants:

"The most significant moment of the Wantok Bosco were the talks and reflections. I was enlightened by the session on Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti” - Theresa, Sabama

"The 3R activities were most significant experiences of the camp as I realized that I can turn trash into something useful" - Ernest Ovia, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko

"I enjoyed the content of the talks and above all the group sharing" - Mecklyn Okil, Pari

"I was touched by the motivational talk of Fr. Srimal on Youth and solidarity" - Ryan Miwasa, Gabutu Youth group.

“The walk to Ela Beach gave us the chance to reflect and appreciate the environment. We picked up rubbish lying in the streets and disposed of it in bins. It is my hope that this will become our daily practice”, said Ms Vanessa Siori, Student Animator of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu.

"I enjoyed the entire program, especially meeting new people. I learned a lot from the 3R challenge” - Amy Kapil, Caritas.

"The moments of prayer, the Rosary, the silence and the Mass on Sunday were very significant highpoints for me” - Emmanuel A, Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu.

WANTOK Bosco is a yearly gathering in the vice Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS). It brings together catholic participants for a celebration of their Catholic faith in the style and manner of the Bosco Way. Solomon Islands has its own celebration due to distance and travel. Participants look forward to the event as the climax of the Salesian Youth Ministry of the entire year.

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