Don Bosco Sumba Vocational High School
DB Sumba, Indonesia, 26 July 2022 -- On July 23, 2022, the Bishop Edmund Woga, CSsR the bishop of Weetebula, led the blessing Mass for the new building at the SMK (Vocational High School) Don Bosco. Also present at the event was the Regent of Southwest Sumba, Dr. Cornelius Kodi Mete. The construction process of this building began with the laying of the first stone on July 10, 2021 by the Vicar General of Weetebula Diocese, Rev. Agustinus Malo Bulu, CSsR.
This building was designed by architect Laurenthia Wiyanty who was also present along with the contractor, Rachmat Handoyo (PT SAKA). The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the SDB Indonesia Foundation as well as the Indonesia SDB Provincial Economer, Fr. Yohanes Boedirahardjo, Vice-Provincial, Fr. Lino Belo and the local Parish Priest of St. Arnoldus Jansen Tambolaka, P. Ferdinandus Ganti, SVD.
The event opened with a welcoming dance performed by SMK students. Teachers, SMK students, parents, alumni, donors and BLK Don Bosco students attended the solemn Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, Bishop Edmund Woga emphasized the importance of empowering personal abilities to build up the Body of Christ, namely the Church. In his remarks, the Regent of Southwest Sumba stated that Salesians are expected to continue to "shake Sumba" with their works. Meanwhile, P. Dominggus Huba SDB, the principal, gave a message about human development that needs to go hand in hand with physical development.
The event closed with the signing of the Commemorative Plaque by the Bishop, the handover of souvenirs in the form of scarves and finally, having lunch together.
Salesians of Don Bosco are present in Sumba island since 2001 starting with a humble small scale BLK (Vocational Training Center) and Oratory, with a steadfast development of Youth services with the DB Vocational High School, a vibrant group of Past Pupils of Don Bosco and generous help to the local Catholic community.
