austraLasia #2548
 
God is good - and Graduation went ahead!

Fr. Angelo Fazzini sdb

KUMGI (PNG): 27th November 2009 -- Graduation for 2009 was scheduled for November 20 in the multipurpose hall, Don Bosco Tech – Kumgi. While preparation was going on, rumours of possible disturbance by drunks were afoot amongst the people who frequent the market area which has grown, over the years, in front of the school itself.
    It all started with a break-in to the school canteen where a freezer was stolen.  With some informants’ help and police intervention the freezer was found. The same culprits had decided on revenge against the school by disrupting the school’s graduation.
    The night of the 19th a brawl broke out with a young drunk being wounded with a knife. When morning came waves of youngsters were seen along the road, shouting and showing their “bush knives”. Things seemed to quieten down and graduation begun in the multipurpose hall just a few metres from the road. Bishop Anton Bal presided at the Mass, with good participation by the students, parents and friends of the graduates and the school.
    Verdi’s Aida Victory March played through the loud-hailer led the students, staff and guests back to the hall after a break. Speeches by the W.R. Carpenter tea plantation manager in Kudjip, Western Highlands Province and the Manager for B & M Engineering, Mt. Hagen led to the distribution of awards and medals to students who distinguished themselves in performance, studies, attendance and service to the community. Certificates were distributed to those who had earned them with the two year training course in one of the trades offered: Auto-mechanics, Building, Electrical, Machine Fitting and Office work.
    By this time the police were present with three vehicles, but they could not stop an attack on some of the stores near the school, some of which ended up being destroyed.
    We are thankful to God, our saints  - and our neighbors,  that graduates and parents were able to move away safely, but the disturbance lessened the chance for graduates’ parties in the area!

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Title: australasia 2548
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces PNG Kumgi Graduation
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2548