23rd Graduation Day, Don Bosco Simbu Technical College

By Fr. Savio Angelo Sanchez, SDB

Kumgi, Papua New Guinea, 28 November 2020 -- On 26 November, everyone gathered in the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco for the Graduation Mass which was presided over by the Provincial Superior of the Salesians in PNG-SI, Fr Greg Bicomong SDB. In his homily, he emphasised the importance of remembering and thanksgiving, and how these find their best expression in the Eucharist. Through the parables of the Treasure Hidden in the Field and the Fine Pearl, he invited the Bosconians to reflect on what they should really search for and what they should value more. At one point in his homily, he came down from the sanctuary to ask three graduating students about what they will look for after graduation. All three had but one answer: work. Fr Greg then encouraged the graduands to ask the Lord for the gift of wisdom like King Solomon, and to discover and encounter Jesus, the Wisdom of God.

At noon, each of the graduating classes gathered for the meal together with their parents. The meal was prepared by a group of students and three women from the ancillary staff. The preparation already started the day before when they butchered and dressed 50 broiler chickens. These chickens were raised at the chicken house near the male students’ residence.

On the 27 November, the 23rd graduation ceremony started with the graduands and guests marching from the main road in the campus to the gym. The venue was beautifully decorated by Fr Clifford Morais SDB and some students. One of the graduating students, Geraldine Wagamo (Diploma in Maintenance Fitting and Machining) led the National Anthem and the National Pledge. Sr Alice Lonappan SCSA (the Superior of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne) led the Opening Prayer. Then in the name of the Educative Pastoral Community of DBSTC, Fr Angel Sanchez SDB delivered his Welcome Address acknowledging in a special way the presence of Mr. Thomas Aiye and Mr. Joe Siris (TVET Officers), Mr. Nick Bange (Community Representative and Member of the Governing Council of DBSTC), Mr. Dickson Pumai (Local Councillor) and Ms Jennifer Dy (Manager of City Pharmacy in Hagen). Among the guests, Mr. Thomas Aiye and Mr. Nick Bange were privileged to address the graduands and the big crowd that gathered for the event—people who came all the way from other Provinces. After the conferring of the Awards and the calling of each graduate, Hayden Alpes delivered the Graduation Speech on behalf of the graduates. Hayden graduated with a National Certificate in Electrotechnology. He was also the recipient of several awards: 1st in Electrotechnology, 2nd in Religious Education, 2nd in Computing, Excellence in Behaviour, and Service Award. The President of the Students Representative Council, Patrick Kua led the recitation of the Pledge of Loyalty. Fr Edwin Genovia SDB, DBSTC Principal, gave the Closing Remarks wrapping up the event with a reflection on the theme, on what sacrifice means, and how this could be our legacy to a better tomorrow.

In his Welcome Address, Fr Angel reminded the assembly that this year’s graduation happens as DBSTC celebrates its Silver Jubilee. The sacrifices of those who have come before and who have brought Don Bosco to Kumgi are now bearing fruits. This year, 224 Bosconians graduated from DBSTC with National Certificates and National Diplomas. DBSTC offers the following courses: Automotive, Electrotechnology, Maintenance Fitting and Machining, Carpentry and Construction, Welding, Business Accounting and Business Management. But more than just technical training, true to its motto, for the past 25 years, DBSTC’s aim has always been to provide the relevant and necessary “training for life” to the youth of PNG.

---

---