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.
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.
