By Shirley Numbos

DBTI Boroko, Port Moresby, 5 December 2024 -- The Don Bosco Champions Literacy and Numeracy Programme celebrated the success of 58 children during its 3rd graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, at the Don Bosco Technological Institute campus in Boroko. The DBTI gymnasium buzzed with excitement as Salesians, benefactors, invited guests, teachers, and parents gathered to witness the memorable occasion.

An outreach project first initiated in 2022 by the Don Bosco Mission Office of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS), the literacy and numeracy program provides free quality education in basic literacy and numeracy to underprivileged children who have dropped out of school or have never attended school for various reasons. The main barriers to education for these children are often a lack of motivation and financial difficulties.

Since 2022, the program has operated as an extension of Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu under the guidance of the school’s rector, Fr Pedro Sachitula, SDB. In 2024, the program expanded to Don Bosco Technological Institute in Boroko, where the Salesians and the Educative and Pastoral Community, similar to those at DBTS Gabutu, embraced the initiative. They welcomed the opportunity to help underprivileged children from poor, marginalized family backgrounds living in nearby settlements surrounding each institution’s campus.

This year, a total of 58 children from both DBTS and DBTI successfully completed a year of intensive classes and formation. These graduates will now be integrated into the formal education system for the next academic year. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, the Salesian Provincial for PGS, who has been a strong supporter of the program and its efforts.

The Literacy and Numeracy program is an ongoing project run by the Mission Office of PGS, with the primary goal of reducing illiteracy rates and school dropouts among marginalized demographics.

Fr Srimal Silva, SDB, the Salesian Provincial Economer and Director of the Missions and Planning & Development Offices of PGS, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and benefactors for their invaluable contributions and support towards the Don Bosco Champions Literacy and Numeracy Programme.

The children were filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment as they were celebrated for their hard work and dedication. They were encouraged to carry forward the values of perseverance and commitment as they continued their educational journey.

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