The SALT (Servanthood and Leadership Training) Program was targeted at the graduating classes, Grade 12s and Trainee Twos.
Its purpose is to inculcate the “servanthood “ and “ leadership” training to the graduating students by :
• Showing compassion to the needy after school
• Inhibiting the life and culture of Don Bosco to today’s young
• To have loving and caring attitude
The program began at the end of Week 7 with the orientation into what SALT is and what the students would doing f in Week 8 and Week 9.
The program consisted of:
1. Community service
2. Hospital and jail visits

The two Saturdays of Week 7 and 8 was community service to help clean Kokopo City so students were divided into their 4 house colours to work at four different locations, Butuwin,Kokopo Central Mart and adjoining shops, the Kokopo Beach Front and Papindo.
It was an experience for teachers to witness the enthusiasm and willingness the students displayed in working very hard despite the very hot sun. The students were very good and behaved well but genuinely and wholeheartedly gave their time to the task given by being very committed.

When it came for their hospital and jail visits the students were excited and prepared to visit and give. The hospital visits were to the TB ward, maternity and medical ward were visited at Vunapope Hospital. The students prayed the Rosary with the patients and presented song and dance. They gave little gifts like toiletries, sweets and others they thought patients needed. They did not only give but also took time to talk to the patients and even met some of their relatives who were hospitalised. It was giving from their hearts and sharing their thoughts also.

The jail visits were more exciting but moving and the Bosconians were brave to meet the inmates. As they were expected at the Keravat jail, the inmates were gathered and awaited their meeting. They began with praying and an ice – breaking dance with the inmates to set the atmosphere and after that were able to meet each other with ease. Once again the Bosconian gave from their hearts gifts and items to liven up their visit.

An inmate gave his impression of his life in jail which also impressed the boys very much. He gave advice to the boys telling them that there is greater freedom outside compared to being in jail and you would miss your love ones very much. ( as he missed his family very much)

These visits, to the boys were experiences of a lifetime. If the boys were impressed, it means that they were able to learn about life and what it is.

The talk given by the inmate can also be read in this edition.

Ms. Evelyn