The Don Bosco Henderson Journey

Don Bosco Technical School, Henderson is proud to stand on the threshold of completing its Silver Jubilee. Bp Luciano Capelli sdb, Bishop Emeritus of Gizo, reflects on the initial years of the institute and has a message for each of us.

Someone said, “Till there is hope, there is direction, there is energy to move and a map with a place where to go to, there are a hundred alternatives and endless dreams - unknown.

The journey of the Jubilee Year, the recently concluded GC29, and the present Easter spirit have renewed our awareness that it is the Risen Christ who is our hope, our direction, and our map. He is our vital energy - the source of our passion for life. He inspires us to dream God’s dream: a dream of freedom and dignity for the neediest of our brothers - the poor and abandoned youth, who are the very reason for our existence.

Every journey begins with a dream, and each day of the journey is a step closer to its fulfilment. Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so too began our school at Don Bosco Henderson and its 25-year journey. It started with the dream of little John Bosco at the age of nine - a dream that reached Henderson in the Jubilee Year of 2000. Like all true dreams, it carried hope: hope of freedom for prisoners and for willing youth during the height of the ethnic tensions that devastated the Solomon Islands.

Every pilgrimage has its share of challenges - God’s favourite ground for growth. He does not prevent us from facing difficulties, but He is always with us, helping us grow through those tough moments. Each challenge helped us grow. Each step didn’t bring us directly to the fulfilment of the dream, but it pushed us out of our comfort zone and brought us a little closer to the destination. Hope has been a grace; perseverance in that hope has been our response.

Youth in the Solomon Islands face the harsh reality of a highly competitive selection process for further studies. Those who are not selected are often left with few alternatives, and many end up feeling discouraged - losing sight of their dreams and passion for life.

Don Bosco’s dream is universal: to lead all willing young people to the ‘fullness of life’ by helping them discover their dignity and potential, and by accompanying them through life’s challenges with the support of unwavering hope. As he reminds us: 'You are born for greater things.' You are not a chicken meant to merely survive, you are an eagle, meant to soar high.

We thank all our students who believed in our spirit and strove hard to become good Christians - of whatever denomination - and honest citizens of the country we all love: Solomon Islands. As a universal institution, Don Bosco has many centers around the world, all sharing the same dream. In Thailand, our Bosconians are called to be good Buddhists and honest citizens. In India, good Hindus; in the Philippines, good Catholics; in Jakarta, good Muslims… and in every place, honest citizens of their respective nations.

We are proud and grateful to have been chosen by God as His human instruments at different times and places over the past 25 years. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who stood by us through hard work and dedication: our Salesian staff, teaching and non-teaching personnel, Italian volunteers, and all our benefactors who believed in Don Bosco’s spirit. While we feel we have done a good job, we also recognize how much more could have been achieved had we put even more passion into striving toward the dream.

What better message could we give our current students than the one we have lived out with passion and commitment to God in realizing Don Bosco’s dream? The same passion you saw in us - pass it on. Dear Bosconians, make God’s dream of fullness of life your highest goal (seek first His Kingdom), and live every minute and every step of your journey with purpose. Let this be the very mission of your life.

You are chosen to be a resource person for His Kingdom of peace, justice, and love. He has chosen you to help shape a new Solomon Islands. Make the most of the options before you. Choose to be a good Christian - whatever your denomination - and live your life as service, in honesty of purpose and integrity of lifestyle, always open to His plan. Live in truth, with courage, for the liberation of your country.

Be “available” to His plan and say “no” to any other “conman” plan. Then, and only then, can we truly sing together: “God Bless Our Solomon Islands from Shore to Shore.” And please, Lord, bless all Don Bosco staff and students, that they may continue journeying with You - and keep dreaming with hope and passion.