By Bro Bernard Kaiau, SDB

Kumgi, PNG, 30 November 2018 -- Four hundred and forty seven Bosconians marched with pride in their hearts accompanied by all invited guests carrying the flag of Papua New Guinea and Simbu province from the statue of Don Bosco to the ceremony hall, Don Bosco Gym, on 30 November 2018. This march is considered as the longest walk for every Bosconian at Don Bosco Simbu Technical College (DBSTC). It takes at least two to three years of daily perseverance and hard work to reach this goal of graduation. The gymnasium at DBSTC was packed to capacity by parents, guardians, benefactors, friends, families and loved ones of Graduating students to witness the 21st graduation ceremony. They chose the theme for the graduation in line with the recent APEC meeting that took place in PNG involving 21 Nations – “Bosconians for Economic Development and Progress”

The Graduation ceremony began at 9:30 a.m. proudly singing the National Anthem and Pledge led by SRC Vice President Ms Mercy Mondowa. Sr Alice Lonappan, Superior of the Sisters of St Anne led the opening prayer, followed by the Welcome address from Fr Robinson Parappilly, SDB Rector/Principal. Bishop Anton Bal, of Kundiawa Diocese addressed the parents and graduands and encouraged them to take up personal responsibility for the development of this nation.

Fr Edwin Genovia presented all 447 graduating students to the audience with thunderous applause. Many deserving students received gold and silver medals and certificates as awards for excellence in Religious instruction, behaviour, perfect attendance, service, technical and academic excellence. The awardees marched to the stage accompanied by their parents. We could see tears of joy in the eyes of many parents when they received their awards for hard work and perseverance.

DBSTC is one of the pioneering institutions in the country to follow the National Qualification Framework and set international standards for the country in Technical training. At the end of the year, every student receives a certificate as per the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) standards. The students were presented with Certificates of DIPLOMA in Business Studies, Certificates in Business Studies, NC1, NC2 and NC3.

The graduating students hail from different regions of the country such as the Highlands, Niugini Islands, Momase and Southern Regions. Some of the graduating students commented in interview: first year Welding Student Reginald Tauna, states that "the graduation was excellent and with hard work we learned many skills" and he added: “Whatever you plant you will reap at the end.” Second year Business Accounting Student, Michael Nama said "we are proud to be a Bosconian. A well organised graduation started on time and finished on time." Finally Jason Kabropi, second year Business Computing Student, described the graduation as successful and gave special thanks to the college administration, students, and staff who were part and parcel of the whole success of the ceremony without any inconvenience caused.

The graduation ceremony was well organised with the graduating students well-dressed according to the Bosconian standard. Everyone was grateful to God and went home safely to their respective destinations.

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