By Ms. Arlene Abital

Port Moresby, PNG, 12 August 2016 -- A week-long celebration at Don Bosco Technological Institute, East Boroko campus in honour of St. John Bosco was a mixture of activities. The Cultural Show with its theme: “Bungim Pasin Tumbuna Wantaim bel isi” held on the 30th of July, commenced the celebrations. The Family Day was celebrated on the 6th of August, the Rector’s birthday and Community Day on the 9th of August, Trade Skills Olympics and Open House on the 10th of August and the Salesian Youth Movement on the 11th - 12th of August, 2016. All the festivities were in honor of St. John Bosco as we celebrate his 201st birthday.

The Family Day had as its theme “Celebrate and Grow as a Family through God’s Loving-Mercy”. It brought together family members, relatives, staff, students and other guests. Mr. Istanis Sesega, supporter of the Institute, dealt with “The impact of technology and the struggle to raise digital children’. He urged the parents and teachers present “to continue forming the young into good Christians and honest citizens despite the contrary influence of today.”

‘Fun games’ highlighting relationships and the importance of the family were conducted by Fr. Clifford Morais, while the children had an enjoyable time as games were organized for them by the aspirants. Later, song and dance items entertained the gathering. The Rector’s Birthday and Community Day celebrations expressed the gratitude to Fr. Louie Castañeda sdb, Rector as Don Bosco in our midst.

August 9th was devoted to the completion of the Rector’s cup and the staff and students enjoyed the ‘Wara Save Party‘. It was an evening free from any alcohol, demonstrating clearly that young people can have a good time and respectfully enjoy each other’s company. The students were entertained by a live band, fun games, give-away raffle items and non-stop music.

The next day, was the Trade Skills Olympics. Fr. Ariel Macatangay, sdb Principal, recalled the words of Don Bosco, “I want you to be happy here and in the next.” He mentioned the institute’s drive to create career pathways through networking with local and international schools and organizations for the betterment of the students and stressed a clear direction for virtue and right living. The competition measured the competencies of the students. Mini-website design, thread cutting, starting system, drafting and house wiring installation were but a few of the contests. Visiting schools of Port Moresby like La Salle Technical College, Kopkop College, Kila Kila Secondary School, Iarowari Secondary School, Socay Training Institute, Salvation Army and Port Moresby International School came over for their Grade 12 students to look at different career options. DBTI will offer new courses in 2017, they are: Bachelor in Automotive Technology, Bachelor in Electrical Technology, Bachelor in Electronics and Communication Technology, Bachelor in Information Technology, Bachelor in Instrumentation Technology, Bachelor in Maintenance Fitting and Machining Technology and Bachelor in Metal Fabrication and Welding Technology apart from the existing Bachelor of Education-Technical.

The Salesian Youth Movement Camp was held on the last two days. Students are grouped according to its theme: “Bosconians Soim Pasin Marimari” (Bosconians Show Mercy) into Feed, Comfort, Console, Advice, Instruct, Forgive, Clothe, Visit, Give and Shelter teams relating to the Works of Mercy. The event started with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr. Louie Castañeda sdb and concelebrated by Fr. Ariel. Fr. Louie illustrated the ills in society brought about by original sin. He added that forgiveness, love, honour and respect can combat societal problems. He reiterated the words of Don Bosco “Run, jump, make noise, just avoid sin”.

Fr. Ambrose Pereira, sdb, Spiritual Moderator at Don Bosco Gabutu spoke on ‘Becoming Agents of Transformation as young people in the Salesian Youth Movement’. He highlighted examples from the recent gatherings of young people of the world, such as World Youth Day and the Olympics. He stressed the qualities of an Olympic athlete - to embrace conflict, never-ending practice and the willingness to be coached. He challenged the campers as future teachers and technical workers to change their mind set positively, never give up despite challenges and transform society to a life of purity and holiness. “Christ is present in everyone’s heart, be generous and selfless with your gifts and skills and reach out to young people in school, parishes and society”, he emphasised.

Apart from the team building activities, the camp highlighted outreach programs in various charitable organizations in the city. Among these were Angkop Community in Gerehu Stage 6, ASAC street children apostolate, WE Care Erima, Cheshire Home, 9 Mile, Kaugere clinic, Bishop’s residence and at Ela Beach. The Youth Groups visited and prayed for the sick, clean, conducted literacy and catechesis, did carpentry works and held fun games and other activities for the children.

Sharing and awarding of prizes wrapped up the two-day camp. Special gratitude to the administration for the prizes in the different contests all throughout the celebrations, Mrs. Evelyn Tekepa for the organization of the Family Day, Mrs. Dianne Lavi for the DBTI Wara Save Nite, Mr. Fredrick Onaput for Trade skills, Ms. Christina Paula Delgado for the Open House and Sr. Pam Vecina, FMA for the SYM camp.

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