Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG, 27 July 2021 -- The Caritas Technical Secondary School (CTSS) celebrated its 25th Technical Day on 21 July 2021 with its theme “Dream, Believe, Achieve: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence.”

Amongst the guests present for the celebration were His Excellency Mr. Kang Ho Jeung, Head of the Korean Embassy, Honourable Governor for the National Capital District, Powes Parkop, keynote speaker, representatives from secondary schools in NCD, private companies and individuals.

The day had two parts to its program. A Eucharistic celebration followed by a tour of the school. The tour covered the Cooking and Food Technology Laboratories, the Sewing Laboratory, the Office Administration, ICT and Science laboratories. The guests were also given the privilege to visit the College Buildings and Library, after which they returned to the Gymnasium where the main event showcasing the students’ skills and talents would be staged.

The program opened with the National Anthem, a Pledge and a prayer. On behalf of Sr. Mazzarello Choi, SCG, Directress of CTSS, Mrs Willma Kalimet welcomed the gathering. This was topped off by a very lively Pacific Island dance. Speeches then followed up to the exhibition itself.

Governor Powes Parkop in his speech promoting women empowerment, encouraged the females to work hard, strive for excellence and be successful in life. “You have the skills, and you need determination, hardwork and drive to achieve your goals”, he said.

Mr. Henry Mekere, a street boy turned yoga instructor, stressed that not only did the young women need essential life skills to earn an honest living, but they also need to be in excellent physical, social and mental wellbeing to be able to perform.

“CTSS is one of the most active schools in implementing the Active City Development Program”, said Fazilah Bazari. Mr. Mekere said that yoga was not to be seen just as an exercise for the flexibility of one’s body but as an avenue for the growth of the mental and spiritual aspect of a person. He emphasized that yoga not only provided the body with physical strength and flexibility but allowed a person to be at peace with his surroundings and inclined himself to nature. It also enhanced the mind to bring forth positive thoughts that were evident in the words and actions of the participant. A yoga presentation to demonstrate the techniques used then followed.

Much to the amazement of the audience, the exhibition showcased on stage, the live production, and finished products of the technical skills of the girls in cooking, dressmaking, cake decorations and others. These were judged by a panel of judges.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the cultural show and technical day was not held last year.