By Vivian Nesen
photos by Karl Valmonte
Port Moresby, PNG, 22 November 2018 – “Once a Bosconian, Always a Bosconian” was the
memorable concluding phrase of Don Bosco Technological Institute’s ninety (90) graduates
as they pledged loyalty to DBTI during the graduation ceremony. The 17th graduation Rites
with the theme Transforming the Society through Bosconian Ideals was held on Thursday the
22nd of November in the institute’s gymnasium. DBTI under the Divine Word University’s
program, awarded ten (10) students with a Diploma in Technical and eighty (80) with a
Bachelor of Education-Technical with specialisations in Computer, Electrical, Electronics,
Machine Fitting and Machining and Motor Vehicle Technologies respectively.
Besides family and friends of graduates, invited guests included Salesians, Salesian sisters,
representatives from the Divine Word University, the Department of Education and the
media. The key note speaker, Mr. Wini Leka, acting Deputy Secretary Technical Vocational
Education Training, whilst congratulating the graduates for choosing the technical career
path, encouraged them to take up the challenge to teach their specialised trades. Mr. Leka
also commended DBTI for its contribution in training the much needed technical work force
to meet the country’s needs.
The Salesian Provincial Superior of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands at the same
time Chairman of DBTI’s Governing Board, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB handed the diploma
to the graduates. The Principal of the Institute, Dr. Catherine Nongkas, presented the
Bachelor of Education-Technical graduates to the Teaching Service Commission
representative, Mr. Maine Ugaia, who received them on behalf of the Commission into the
teaching profession.
In his closing remarks, the Acting Rector of DBTI, Fr. Clifford Morais, SDB, challenged
graduates to uphold the values and aspirations of St. John Bosco, and most of all to be agents
of change as noted in their very own choice of the graduation theme: Transforming the
Society through Bosconian Ideals.
In her speech on behalf of the graduating students, Ms Tabitha Tiopili, a recipient of the
Literary Award, reminded fellow graduates to live the Salesian Spirituality. Now the
challenge of transforming PNG through the Bosconian ideals starts!