By Ms. Arlene Abital
Port Moresby, PNG, 20 July 2016 -- The Second Batch of Short Course students graduated on the 20th of July, 2016, at Don Bosco Technological Institute, East Boroko, Port Moresby after a seven-week training.
The meaningful graduation ceremony was witnessed by Fr. Ariel Macatangay, SDB-Principal, Pastor Kurt, CEO of City Mission, Mrs Kurt, students, staff, relatives and friends of the candidates.
Mr. Fredrick Onaput, Technology Head, commended the enthusiasm and diligence of the twenty-two successful candidates. Commenting on the students he said that some had completed Grade 6, others Grade 8 while some were Grade 10 non-school leavers. These backgrounds did not prevent them from achieving higher goals in life. “This year, DBTI intensified the Short Course by inserting training in Welding and Metal Fabrication, Technical Writing, Business Mathematics and Work Ethics apart from the main courses such as Electrical Installation and Maintenance, General Motor Vehicle Servicing and Basic Literacy and Numeracy skills”, he continued.
Guest of Honor, Pastor Kurt, thanked DBTI for the opportunity given to the young men. He stressed the importance of seizing every moment, every chance and every blessing in life. “You now have skills to live life to the full”, he told the graduating students.
On behalf of the 22 candidates, Michael Ananias expressed his gratitude for the kindness and warmth that students and staff extended to them. He appreciated how they were treated at school and exclaimed “We feel very much a part of the school!” He thanked the Lord for the blessings received and made special mention of their mentors Mrs. Fredah Militan-Wallum, Mr. Brendon Kaita, Mr. Wilmer Dumaya, Mr. Gabriel Gomana and Mr. Julius Pagaurea.
Fr. Ariel, thanked Fr. Louie Castañeda SDB, Rector for the support he gave towards this program. He proudly stated that all of last year’s grandaunts were working and sated that companies will absorb the ones who have graduated this year. “DBTI gives the best to those in need”, he said as even the newly-purchased equipment in the workshops were used for their training.
The audience applauded the achievements of these 22 young men. They received their certificates and gifts as rewards of the seven-week training. The entire student body then sang “We are one of a kind - a true Bosconian - that’s our name” a song that will forever linger in the minds of the students.
The Institutes’ Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan for community engagement and outreach program has reached another milestone through this joint venture of DBTI and City Mission, PNG.
