By Jordan Pomat

Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 3 June 2025 -- Mr. Martin Dai, Principal of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, Port Moresby, reflects on the early beginnings, the present and the future of the school as it celebrates its 40th year of reaching out and serving young people in Papua New Guinea.

Our humble beginnings date back 40 years to September 20, 1985, when the then Prime Minister, Hon. Sir Michael Somare, formally inaugurated Don Bosco Technical School alongside the late Archbishop Virgil Patrick Copas. Forty years have passed, and like Don Bosco, we remain anchored in hope, pilgrims on a journey and agents of change. The seed sown four decades ago has been watered, nurtured, and has borne fruit. We express our heartfelt gratitude to God, the Salesians, staff, parents, stakeholders, and the many generous individuals who have invested in the lives of the young.

The school began its growth.

• 1985 DBTS opened its gates for the first batch of 120 Gr. 7 students, thus becoming the 1st Technical High School in PNG
• 1989 became the first school to offer the 40–week technical training course for Gr. 10 leavers
• 1994 became the first permitted technical college allowed to offer the Pre-Employment Technical Trade (PETT) Course
• 1997 introduced the On-the-Job (OJT) training scheme for students to work in companies
• 2000 became the first school to adopt the Competency Based Training (CBT) scheme of the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB) in its technical curriculum. It also offered the innovative 2-year Industrial Training Course (ITC) for Gr. 10 leavers. The Servant and Leadership Training (SALT) scheme started for the graduating students.
• 2005 Employment Oriented Skills Development Training (EOSDT) is introduced.
• 2014 Certificate 3 and 4 was awarded to trainers.
• 2017 NC1 and NC2 offered a TVET program,
  • Extensive Spiritual formation given through YE and Retreat programs.
  • For the first time, equal opportunity was given to young women to attend a 16-week EOSDT training in male-dominated trades.
• 2018 Grade 10 students are certified with NC1 Certificate, ITC2 and the NC2 Certificate from the TVET Department
• 2021 The number of Students for OJT training and Employment opportunities for our students has increased. Thanks to the many Industrial Companies today.
• 2023 March 1 – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between Remington Technology Limited and DBTS for job training and staff capacity development.
• June 23 – Total Energies EP PNG Limited signed an MOA with DBTS to collaborate in promoting TVET education.
• 2024 The Department of Education certified NC1 and NC2 in Computer Hardware and Servicing (CHS).

All the progress, effort, insights - everything has led to this moment. This year, in this 40th anniversary, and as we look back, we are amazed at the incredible progress!

Our Father, Teacher, and Friend, Don Bosco, is proud of us as we strive to live his dream today. Anchored in hope, we are pilgrims on our journey.

This is what several DBTS Bosconians say:

“In the past years, I saw myself as nothing compared to what I am now. My life with my family wasn’t smooth, but was racked with problems. Sometimes I lose hope due to my struggles. I had to face the painful reality of reality as a “non-selected” student in PNG’s system of education. It was in that moment of despair that I came to know Don Bosco.

At first, my studies were difficult - it was a real challenge. But as a Bosconian since 1985, I’ve experienced a tremendous change in myself. When I was rejected by the system, I felt worthless, as if I had no purpose in my country. I even thought I was better off dead and buried. But Don Bosco saw the small spark of goodness in me, and brought me this far.

Today, I dream again. I dream of my future, of a career, of having a family, and of serving my beloved country. Don Bosco gave me new hope in life.”

“Before coming to Don Bosco, I felt my life was meaningless. I had been rejected by the formal school system and started spending time with the wrong crowd. My family rejected me because I brought shame to them. I felt like a total stranger to myself, my country, and my own family. I had no direction in life.”

“At Don Bosco, I’ve learned so much. But most importantly, I’ve learned to see myself from within and appreciate the value of my life. I’ve learned how to discipline myself. I truly wish that many other young boys could have the same experience I’ve had. Don Bosco has become my second home.”

“Today, I can proudly say that I perform my ordinary duties extraordinarily well—with cheerfulness, joy, and optimism. I’ve opened myself up to formation by making Jesus and Mary my closest friends. I’ve chosen to be actively involved in the life of my Christian community, my Church, and my country. I now feel that service and volunteerism have become part of my identity.”

We realize that our God has given us talents and gifts. We now need to show the world that we are truly the sons and daughters of Don Bosco. ‘Dispela em trupela taim ya. Yu mas soim trupela color blong yu….na em wanem. Yu mas applyim olgeta samting you lainim. Long ting ting, long toktok, long dressing na apiarence blong yu, long olgeta wokabout blong yu… ino ken giaman, soim gutpela pasin blong yu.’

We pay it forward for another 40 years.
We are Bosconians - Servant Leaders.
Ad Majora Natus - Born for Greater Things.

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