By Fr. Sánchez Angel, SDB

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, August 12, 2015 - Don Bosco Technical School began the series of events in celebration of Don Bosco's 200th Birthday and DBTS' 30th Foundation Anniversary. The Opening Ceremony was graced by the presence of the Commissioner of the PNG Teaching Service Commission, Mr. Samson Wangihomie who also delivered the keynote speech. The Archdiocesan Catholic Education Education Secretary, Mr Danny Kepui, and the PCTA (Parents, Citizens and Teachers Association) President, Mr. David Tawae also came to join in the celebration. The guests were led to the technical workshops and were pleased to see the exhibits prepared by the Bosconians and their teachers.

After the Opening Ceremony, saw a huge crowd, mainly of students and youth. The Kurongku Hall of DBTS was filled to capacity. Everybody was excited to watch the Inter-School Battle of the Bands. There were 16 bands from 8 schools. There were also 3 local recording artists: 2 came as judges for the event, while the other came as a guest performer. The latter truly wowed the youth because of his superb showmanship.

In his short talk, the School Principal, Fr. Angel Sanchez reminded everybody of the words of Don Bosco: "The music of the youth should be listened to with the heart and not with the ears." Then of course, the oft-repeated saying: "A school without music is like a body without a soul." What better and more joyful way to start the festivities in honour of the Father, Teacher, and Friend of Youth than with music... and a bit of dancing too!

"The winners certainly went home happy. Events like this are formative because they bring out the best in the young. The good experience, and the typical family atmosphere felt in a Salesian School are worth more than the certificates and the cash prizes they received. Don Bosco, the great master of youth ministry is right: "Music aids education. It a most effective means to obtain discipline, morality, and help and good feeling."