Welcome to our House - Open day at Don
Bosco
- Fr.
Ambrose Pereira sdb
Director,
Catholic Communications Solomons
“We are
impressed by our visit to Don Bosco and feel completely at home. It has given the students a broader
vision and enabled them realize that skills develop in the young when they are
doing things that are creative’ said Jesse Hou, a teacher at Tuvaruhu High
School who came along with 15 students.
“It has been an eye opener and a learning experience for all of us. We also realize that a vocational school
is for anyone, not just for the drop-out students – as everyone has something to
offer” stated Unice Tahuniara, who accompanied the Chungh Wah School
students.
Over 300
students of the different schools of Honiara spent an enjoyable day at Don Bosco
Technical Institute on 24th October, 2003. A welcome in song and dance coordinated
by Fr. Nelson Jopia sdb, set the tone for the days programme. They were given a brief understanding of
Don Bosco and his style of dealing with the young. The different schools were then taken on
a visit to the farm, the workshops, classrooms and were shown the possibilities
of extra curricular activities such as basic computer operations, scouting and
the library. The young students
also had the possibility of hands-on activity at filing, soldering, arc and gas
welding.
“Welcome
to our house” was neatly displayed on the colorful backdrop of the multipurpose
hall. “A house has brothers and
sisters that are always there to help”, stated Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb, Rector
and Principal of the Institute to the gathering, “while a school has
students”. In speaking to the large
number of girls present, he also stated that Don Bosco would be opening to girls
in 2005 if possibilities and circumstances permit it.
As the
visitors interacted with the students they also had the possibility of
understanding what is expected of the students, and what to expect if one
falters. “Discipline and commitment
are essential,” stated David Surau, school captain and he outlined his day that
begins in the early hours of the morning to enable him arrive at the school
before 7.30am – the time the school has its daily
assembly.
“With
all the problems in Solomon Islands we need to develop Educational possibilities
that address the basic skills and enable students develop themselves, their
family, community and the country.
Its marvelous to see all that is happening here,” said Robert Chris,
EURTC Training coordinator who together with others visited the Institute on the
occasion.
The
first batch of Don Bosco students will hvae their graduation ceremony on 19th
November, 2003.
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