By Amanda Tonno

Kumgi & Port Moresby, PNG, 7 June 2025 -- My name is Amanda Tonno, I'm of mixed parentage of Madang and East Sepik. I come from a family of six children, and I'm the fourth born. I am twenty-four years of age, was born in the year 2000 on the month June. My father is a seafarer, and my mother is a stay-at-home parent.

Growing up, they had always encouraged me to pursue a career that I loved. I had a variety of interests. But the problem was that I did not know what I wanted to do, what career I wanted, or what goal I wanted to pursue. I was a confused young person. As I lived through my teenage years and life started to get serious, I wondered what path my life would take.

Alexander Graham Bell, states, “When one door closes, another opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully, upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones that open for us”. I applied at Don Bosco Simbu Technical College (DBSTC), Kumgi, Simbu Province. I was accepted and got a place to study in the electrical trade. It was not what I wanted. But I took the offer and registered for the trade anyway.

Looking back, from where I am now, I am glad that I took the offer and that it was Don Bosco, Kumgi. It was there that I learned a lot and became a better version of myself. It was there that I met people who became my friends. Apart from my family, I met the two very important people in my life: Fr. Clifford Morais and Fr. Edwin Genovia. These two people have helped me blossom and grow into the person I have become today. As I stumbled through the awkwardness of teenage years and early adulthood, with moments of setbacks, doubts, and the fact that I never believed in myself, they were the ones who believed in me. They were the ones who could see the greatness in me. They listened to me, talked to me, supported me, and pushed me to achieve more in myself. I thank God for Don Bosco every day. It was because of Don Bosco that I met the ever lively and animated Fr Clifford and the constantly motivating Fr Edwin. It was thanks to them that my life has taken on a dramatic, bold, and noble turn.

Today, I am employed by Steamships Limited under Pacific Towing Marine Services. Currently I am in Papua New Guinea Maritime College (PNGMC), Madang Province, studying to attain my Certificate of Competency for Mate Class 3, Officer of the Watch.

Several Bosconians are present here at the PNGMC. Coincidentally, we all started our journey with Don Bosco and with Fr Clifford, either at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, Rapolo; Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko or Don Bosco Simbu Technical College, Kumgi.

With me there are ten cadets. Five are deck cadets and the other five are engine cadets. All are employed by P&O Maritime Logistics. Nine are returning cadets, studying to be Officers of the Watch, Mate Class 3, and Engine Class 3. Four are employed by P&O Maritime Logistics and five by Steamships Limited under Pacific Towing Marine Services and Consort Express Lines. Two officers are studying to attain their certificate in Mate Class 2/1 and are employed by Steamships Limited under Consort Express Lines. This is the highest rank among deck officers in the Maritime Industry before reaching the Rank of a Captain or Master Mariner. The holder is then qualified to serve as Chief Mate 'second in command' on any type of vessel of any size. Often, the officer can be promoted to Master. It is a certification that represents extensive experience, training, and responsibility at sea.

From the moment we met Fr Clifford Morais, he sensed a genuine interest in our potential, it was not just about guiding us through tasks, it was about understanding our aspirations, challenges, and our dreams. His support went beyond mere advice, he celebrated our victories, no matter how small and provided solace during setbacks. This unwavering encouragement built our confidence and allowed us to take risks and step out of our comfort zone.

Through his guidance, we learned the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and self-belief. He instilled in us a mindset geared toward growth and perseverance. It was not only about academic accomplishments or completing goals. He enabled me to get in touch with the spirituality deep in me. It was through his motivation that I chose to be baptized on August 20th, in the year 2021, up at Simbu Province at the Shrine of Saint John Bosco, Kumgi.

My baptism was a deeply meaningful moment in my life - it marked the beginning of my personal journey of faith. Being baptized wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a public declaration of my commitment to follow Christ. Spiritually, it brought a sense of renewal and peace that I had never experienced before. It made me more aware of God's presence in my life and gave me a clearer sense of purpose. Since then, I’ve felt more grounded in my beliefs, more willing to forgive, and more open to growth through prayer and reflection. My baptism truly changed the way I see myself and the world around me.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that the interest, zeal, and support of Fr Clifford were the catalysts that transformed my path. I am not only more skilled but also more self-aware and self-driven. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the person I am today and continues to inspire me to reach new heights. I fondly remember and pray for the repose of the soul of Fr Edwin. May our good Salesians continue to mentor the lives of the young they encounter, and may our young open their lives to journey with them.

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