The following day the participants were awakened by games and Zumba. During the day there were three sessions. Firstly: Be Human; Mr Jerry Kato, teacher at OLSH Secondary highlighted the values of the family, selfcare as young people against all toxic agents to real life. Sr. Juliet, FMA spoke on Be Real. She reminded us to be agents of change through social media. She called young people to be themselves and not fake, to spend time on positive news and not consuming all negativities and destructive information. In the thirdly session, Fr Joseph Thanh sdb challenged the youths to: Be Saints. He explained that the key to holiness is what Don Bosco told Dominic Savio: “do your ordinary duty in an extraordinary way.” He instructed us on the role of prayer, love for the holy eucharist and regular confessions as best ways to holiness. The night was filled with fun with youthful festival dances. The second day was concluded with the Good Night talk by Mr. Harold Argante, a Salesian Cooperator. On Sunday the camp concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Moise, sdb. He highlighted the sense of responsibility, of volunteerism, vocation and personal encounter with God.
Here are a few comments from the youth. “It's always a privilege to be with the young people in special moments like the Wantok Bosco Camp 2023 at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, Rapolo (DBTSS). I have great hope for the future of PNG with these young people who have great capacity for leadership and a sense of responsibility. I am glad that despite all the negative things we hear about other young people creating problems in society, there are still many among them who are doing good in the communities. With this experience they will return to their respective places renewed and challenged to become like yeast that can make a positive influence in their families, schools, parishes and the society. I pray that the young would be courageous to proclaim God's love even in the simplest act of goodness they can do. I also pray that we who are entrusted with the mission of guiding the young may enable them grow in the person they ought to be”, said Sr Carmina Rhea Pajarillo.
Ms Parscalyn Ipai, DBTSS Pastoral Team
Papua New Guinea - Wantok Bosco Kokopo
Kokopo: Don Bosco Technical Secondary School Kokopo (DBTSS) hosted the Wantok Bosco 23, from 22-25 September 2023. 260 youth from DBTSS Kokopo, Mary Help of Christians Parish Rapolo, from Utmei Secondary School, St. Peter Chanel Teachers College, Salesians sisters Tapo youth and young people from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Secondary School. The theme for the event was on the 2023 Strenna of the Rector Major: “As the Yeast in Today’s Human Family. Be human, Be Real and Be Saint.” On the first day, Fr. Moise Paluku, SDB Rector of DBTSS Kokopo and PGS Youth Ministry Delegate welcomed all the participants. He insisted that this should be an occasion for everyone to build friendship with God and with one another. “Let us make sure that we are true friends here, so we live in mutual appreciation, love and respect outside to battle against the hate and unforgiving spirit growing among youngsters,” he said. In the evening the participants were involved in moments of prayer, adoration, and worship of the Eucharist, while the Sacrament of Reconciliation was celebrated. “This moment was very touching. I was in tears because I felt the presence of God and saw myself. Lucky, we had confession to open up to God. Many other youths were touched by the adoration experience as prepared by Sr. Maria Yen, FMA and her team,” said Catherine a youth leader from MHC parish.
