From: Julian Fox
[jbfox@connect.com.fj]
Sent: Saturday, 22 November 2003 9:41
AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:@mail.sdb.org;
Subject:
'austraLasia' #756
austraLasia 756
SOLOMON ISLANDS: DON BOSCO'S FIRST
GRADUATES
HONIARA: 22nd November '03
- For Salesian South and West Pacific nations, amongst the newest
stars in the Salesian galaxy, it is 'first graduation' time. Last Thursday
night, November 19th, Don Bosco Henderson held a "touching,
extraordinary and meaningful" graduation (SI national "Solomon Star" feature
article). Six young people graduated from a three
year course and eighteen from a one year course. They all passed the
government test for Employment at the basic and intermediate level. After
three year's employment they will qualify for the professional certificate. It
does not happen very often that an entire batch of applicants
passes the employment test 'bene probatus' (not an SI term
obviously!). All graduates have been school push-outs.
Patrick Stenson, the recipient of the achievement award verbalized the feelings
of all graduates: "Before coming to Don Bosco my life had no goals, I felt lost
and hopeless and I did not know what to do with my life. Now I feel proud of my
education and achievements and I have a dream to fulfill in my life: Don Bosco's
dreams are expressed in our motto: "Born for greater
things".
The Permanent Secretary of education
Dr. Dereck Sikua, the guest of honor, promised the country on air to
build four more centers like Don Bosco in the country because this is what the
country needs most: the training of skilled workers at the basic and
intermediate level. Archbishop
Adrian Smith recalled the history of his calling the Salesians and expressed
great satisfaction about the presence of Don Bosco in Henderson and
Tetere. He challenged the students and Don Bosco to 'dream like Don Bosco
would' (That was in fact the theme of the celebration)
A good number of young people expressed
their gratitude to Don Bosco by embracing the school Rector after receiving
their diploma from the Permanent Secretary of Education. This is not a typical
Melanesian response but certainly spontaneous and heartfelt.
All signs seem to indicate, rather
powerfully, that this is the 'Kairos' of the Salesian presence in Solomon
Islands. We consider ourselves blessed to be the community chosen to
witness these events of grace and we are glad to proclaim this message to the
whole Salesian world.
Luciano Capelli SDB
____________
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