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Port Moresby

56 Students Graduate from Don Bosco Technical School’s Employment-Oriented Skills Programme in Port Moresby

12 November 2026

News reported by: Fidelmah Urakupa & Kristine Fortes

Fifty-six students graduated with certificates at the 25th Graduation Ceremony of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School's Employment-Oriented Skills Development Training (EOSDT) programme in Port Moresby on 5 November. The ceremony marked the successful completion of a 16-week intensive vocational training programme designed to equip young people with practical, employment-oriented skills across six trades.

The graduates completed training in House Wiring and Installation, Basic Computing, Graphic Design and Multimedia, Motor Vehicle Trade, Metal Fabrication and Welding, and Plumbing. Guided by the academic year's theme, “Do whatever He tells you; Believers, free to serve,” the programme emphasised the importance of combining technical competence with faith, responsibility and service to society.

School Rector Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, welcomed the parents, guests and graduates, congratulating the students on their achievement. Principal Martin Dai then acknowledged the contributions of parents, guardians and all those who supported the programme. He urged the graduates to translate their newly acquired skills into meaningful contributions to their communities.

“The best gratitude is to continue being good in your community and to make little changes. It may not be big, but Don Bosco has given you many tools to make a difference, no matter how small,” he said. He encouraged the graduates to use their God-given talents with honesty, dedication and hard work, following the spirit of Don Bosco.

Representing the graduating class, Hayara Angoea, a Motor Vehicle Trade graduate, expressed heartfelt gratitude to parents and guardians for their sacrifices and unwavering support. He also acknowledged the Salesian educators and the school for providing the guidance, knowledge, skills and values that had prepared the students for responsible participation in society. He then particularly appreciated the confidence, optimism and joy instilled in them throughout their training.

Former Principal and Spiritual Moderator, and current Vice Provincial of the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Fr. Charles Casper, SDB, reflected on the significance of the graduation theme. He reminded the graduates that freedom brings with it the responsibility to make wise choices and challenged them to reflect on the fundamental question, “What do I want?” He then urged them to become believers who are free to serve by choosing the right path and making responsible decisions about their future, remaining guided by the Gospel invitation, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Guest speaker Deanne Evans, Operations Director of Save the Children – Papua New Guinea, highlighted the transformative value of practical skills in empowering young people. Emphasising the lasting worth of education and vocational training, she told the graduates, “Your knowledge and skills can never be taken away from you,” and added that what they had learned would continue to open doors and move them forward in life.

The school also acknowledged the support of its sponsors and guests, particularly Deanne Evans of Save the Children, Mary Kris Villacastin, owner of Lumino Supply and Technology, and Pedi Flor Burlat, owner of Meridian System. Their contributions included sponsoring prizes for outstanding performers in various trades and recipients of special awards.

The ceremony concluded with the graduates singing A Million Dreams, followed by the school’s Alma Mater, bringing the 25th graduation celebration to a memorable close. As they embark on new professional and personal journeys, the graduates are encouraged to apply their technical skills, knowledge and Salesian values, becoming responsible citizens who contribute to their communities through faith, service, hard work and optimism.