3277 A shower of blessings - EU project handover
austraLasia #3277

 

A shower of blessings - EU project handover

2 September 2013 --  “It is a day of thanksgiving and celebration, as we thank God for the many blessings He showers on us”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector at the end of the Eucharistic celebration.   In thanking all for their presence and prayers, he made special mention of the EU personnel present for the handing over of the two projects – Staff House and Computer Technology Laboratory that have been part of the EU RAMP funding programme.

The Staff House situated on a new plot diagonally opposite the Don Bosco Technical Institute Campus, is to be the site for future development, upgrading and expansion that will qualify technical youth and people and give them greater possibilities for their lives as opportunities evolve.

Mr. Allan Daonga, Acting PS (MDPAC) and Deputy National Authorizing Office handed over the keys to Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector and cut the ribbon.  Archbishop Adrian Smith then said the blessing and sprinkled holy water inside and around the building.  Guests were then permitted to walk around the building and view the well-constructed structure.  The Staff House has 6 self-contained units, that will house teachers and volunteers to enable them be always available with greater commitment and dedication.

Mr. Brian Rosanowski, contractor, PM Management Services was given a token of thanks for his dedication and commitment, together with his team of builders.  He was appreciated for the excellent completion of the project.

In handing over the two projects – Staff House and Computer Technology Laboratory - Mr. Allan Daonga thanked Don Bosco for being an excellent partner and implementing these projects under the RAMP projects.  “The Teachers Quarter project will provide additional housing for staff to live on campus as per requirement of the Ministry of Education. Having teachers living on campus would resolve the issues such as absenteeism, lateness and transport difficulties. It will provide a unity amongst teachers, a greater service to the students including one-on-one time and decrease of financial requirements compared to living in town”, said Mr. Daonga.
computer technology

In the Computer Technology Laboratory two recently completed short films were screened: ‘Save a Life’ by Regina Lepping and ‘The Struggle’ by Philip Palmer.

“The computer technology project aims to prepare young people for an industry in a constantly changing digital world. It provides an opportunity for school dropouts to take part in further education and pave their way to gain a place in the workforce”, said Mr. Allan.

He requested that on behalf of the Solomon Islands government, staff and students be responsible and care for the projects and look after the facilities that all may benefit from what the projects offer.

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, expressed his thanks to H. E. Eoghan Walsh, EU Charge d’ Affairs, EU RAMP Programme personnel – Sue, Ellison Gauwane, Joyce Lelau, Louisa Fakaia, Antoinette Wickam, Donny, Georgiana and the entire staff at the EU RAMP Office.  “They have been very helpful, supportive and ready to assist in whenever we needed help”, he said.

The Staff House has been co-funded by the Salesians of Japan, CARITAS Solomon Islands and the Salesian Missions, Australia.  It has been constructed by PM Management Services Limited, headed by Brian Rosanowski, together with his dedicated team.

The projects were suggested by the former School Board chairman Mr. Colin Requebatu and supported by all.  Thanks to the many volunteers especially Mr. Kevin Misi, Bill Barille, Peter Cheers, Ian Bailey, Tony Blair, Nelson Soke, Dickson Palusi, Fred Gale, the Electrical and Carpentry students and all who worked under the direction of Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb, Administrator.  “We are grateful that these projects will benefit our students and people in the years ahead”, concluded Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector.