Don Bosco Education System (DBES) Educators Congress
Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG, 28 September 2021 -- The first Don Bosco Educational System Salesian Educators’ Congress for the vice province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, opened with a Eucharistic celebration at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko, on 23 September 2021.
The theme of the celebration was: “The only way forward is together.” The Congress commenced on the 23-25 September at the Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko. The nearly 200 participants were composed of Salesian educators, priests, religious and lay people. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, educators from SI were not able to make it.
Celebrating the Mass was Fr. Dominic Kachira SDB. Celebrating with him were Fr. Gregorio Bicomong Jnr, Provincial Superior, Fr. Roger Miranda, Fr. Pedro Sachitula, Fr. Moise Paluka, Fr. Alex Garces, Fr. Gilbert and Fr Pankaj Xalxo.
During his homily, Fr. Dominic shared the story of the Saint of the day Padre Pio, and spoke of the difficulties he faced yet he was committed and cared for the people. He said like the Saint, they too should be agents of mercy for God no matter what challenges they encountered in their journey with young people.
He encouraged unity amongst the educators to set an example of them being one as an embodiment of Christ in educating and evangelizing the young. Expressing his gratitude for all that they have done, he said, “We have a very beautiful system of Education - the Preventive System of Don Bosco. Be proud of yourselves because you have gone up the hills, travelled inland and along the coast to continue the work of Don Bosco of producing Good Christians and Honest Citizens in our young people: our Bosconians.”
The liturgy was well animated with harmonious singing by the staff and students of DBTI accompanied by colorful processions by students from the NGI region.
Screening a video on three risk-taking billionaires who ventured into space to start the so-called Space Tourism; a dream of theirs, Fr. Gregorio highlighted six lessons encouraging the participants to dare to dream as Pope Francis invites, so as to transform and evangelize; he warned that the first step is always the hardest as there are always challenges to face. He then spoke on the failure of being a part of success; challenged the participants to be doers in a room full of critics, and stressed that together we can do much in healthy competitions.
“For us a Salesian family, education is not about competition. It is about helping young people reach their potential whether you teach in Kumgi, Araimiri or DBTI or even in SI, we have one focus and that is our young people. We must all work together to achieve that”, said Fr Greg as he challenged all wot work as one.
He encouraged the educators to not be afraid as they were not alone. “The only way forward is TOGETHER. Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is Success. You belong to an international network. You are never alone”, he added.
A total of 6 break up sessions followed after Fr. Alex, in charge of the DBES in the vice province, explained the role, structure and objectives of the Salesian Education System. The day ended with an inter-school sports festival.
The Congress continued the next day with two Plenary Sessions on the Catholic Education in PNG by Bishop Pedro Baquero SDB, Bishop Deputy for Education in the Catholic Bishops Conference PNGSI. The next session was Basic Education in PNG: The New Basic Education System in PNG, by Dr. Uke Kombra, Secretary for Education and Higher Education in PNG by Dr. Francis Hualupmomi, acting DHERST Secretary. The participants return with reflection and greater commitment.
