Don Bosco Celebrates the 25th Graduation of the Employment-Oriented Skills Development Training (EOSDT)
- Fidelmah Urakupa & Kristine Fortes
Port Moresby - Fifty-six students graduated with certificates during the 25th Graduation Ceremony of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School’s Employment-Oriented Skills Development Training (EOSDT), held in Port Moresby on 5 November 2026. The ceremony celebrated short-term students who completed a 16-week intensive training across various disciplines, including House Wiring and Installation, Basic Computing, Graphic Design and Multimedia, Motor Vehicle Trade, Metal Fabrication and Welding/Plumbing.
Guided by the school year's theme, “Do whatever He tells you; Believers, free to serve,” the students demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment throughout their training, graduating with flying colours. The event was marked by inspiring speeches encouraging the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills in service to their communities.
School Rector Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, officially welcomed the parents, guests, and graduates, offering his congratulations to the students for their achievements. Following his address, Principal Mr. Martin Dai extended his gratitude to everyone who made the program possible, particularly the parents and guardians. He reminded the graduates that "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 also encouraged them to use their God-given talents and skills with honesty and hard work in the spirit of Don Bosco.
Representing the graduating class, Hayara Angoea, a Motor Vehicle Trade graduate, delivered a heartfelt acknowledgement, expressing gratitude to parents and guardians for their sacrifices, dedication and unwavering support throughout their educational journey. He also recognised the school and its Salesian educators for their commitment to guiding, nurturing and equipping the students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to become responsible individuals. He thanked them for instilling joy, optimism and confidence in the graduates as they prepare for the future.
Former Principal and Spiritual Moderator and present Vice Provincial of the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Fr. Charles Casper, SDB, further reflected on the significance of the year’s theme. He reminded the graduates that while they are free to make choices and pursue their dreams, they must first ask themselves an important question: “What do I want?” He challenged them to become believers who are free to serve by choosing the right path and making responsible decisions about their future. He encouraged them to remain guided by the words, “Do whatever He tells you”, as they journey through life’s opportunities and challenges.
Special appreciation was extended to the sponsors and invited guests, particularly Ms. Deanne Evens, a representative of Save the Children, Mrs. Mary Kris Villacastin, the owner of Lumino Supply and Technology and Mr. Pedi Flor Burlat, the owner of Meridian System for their support and for sponsoring some prizes for the students who excelled in the different trades and for students who received special awards.
Guest speaker Ms. Deanne Evans, Operations Director of Save the Children – Papua New Guinea, highlighted the value of practical life skills in empowering youth. She noted that "your knowledge and skills can never be taken away from you," adding that "what you have learned will always take you forward in life."
The 25th Graduation Ceremony concluded with the graduating students singing their graduation song, A Million Dreams, followed by the school’s Alma Mater song, marking a memorable conclusion to their educational journey at Don Bosco Technical School. As they move forward into new opportunities and challenges, the graduates are encouraged to carry with them the knowledge, skills and values gained at Don Bosco, remaining committed to the spirit of service, faith, joy and optimism.
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