Papua New Guinea – Dreaming together of the "Don Bosco Technological Institute" University
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – July 2024 – From 11 to 13 July, the second stakeholder conference of the Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) was held at the Emmaus Conference Centre, in Port Moresby. Over the three days several meetings and discussions took place, all focusing on the theme: "Dreaming together of DBTI becoming a university". The invited guests and speakers at the conference were stakeholders from the education, government and industry sectors, members of the clergy and Salesians, Past Pupils and DBTI staff, who discussed the possibility of the school becoming an advanced higher education institution. Fr Gregorio Bicomong, Superior of the PGS Vice-Province, was also present for the occasion, stressing the determination and commitment of the Vice-Province in wanting DBTI to acquire the status of university. The moderator of the event, Fr Dindo Vitug, thanks to his accurate summary of all the work, was able to guide the participants to jointly express their opinions on the future direction of the DBTI as a university and on the practical resolutions that can lead to this step. Finally, among the many distinguished speakers present, the presence of the Bishop of Kerema, Pedro Centeno Baquero, SDB, should be highlighted. In his address, the latter urged the institute to remain faithful to the Salesian charism and to the Don Bosco Preventive System, always taking care of the less fortunate young people.