DBTI thanks partner schools

Partner schools in NCD with Don Bosco Technological Institute directors *(Image: Supplied)*

The Don Bosco Technological Institute [DBTI] recently hosted an appreciation dinner to thank partner schools in the National Capital District.

The event, held at the institute's gymnasium last Thursday, was organized for schools that have accommodated student teacher trainees during their teaching practicum placements.

A total of 23 partner schools were invited, with representatives including principals, deputy principals, head-teachers, deans, and teaching practice coordinators in attendance.

The gathering aimed to gather evaluations, feedback, and testimonies from the respective schools regarding the performance of the trainees.

The program commenced with a traditional welcome performance by the DBTI Manus Cultural Group, followed by an opening prayer from vice-president for pastoral affairs Fr Joseph Vanga, SDB.

DBTI Manus dancing group entertaining the guests with their famous traditional dance *(Image: Supplied)*

DBTI president and rector Fr Ariel Macatangay, delivered the opening remarks and speaking on the global Don Bosco theme for 2026: "A call to serve, do whatever He tells you".

Fr Ariel led a toast celebrating the partnership and stated that the dinner signified a deep bond of collaboration and service in education.

Following a performance by the DBTI Western Province Cultural Group, vice-president for finance and administration Fr Pankaj Xalxo, delivered the keynote address.

Fr Pankaj focused his address on servant leadership, saying that true leaders place themselves at the bottom to lift others up rather than staying at the top.

He said leadership of past Papua New Guinean statesmen, citing the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for uniting a thousand tribes through patience, and the late former Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane for advocating lifelong learning.

DBTI president and rector Fr Ariel Macatangay toasting after his speech during the dinner *(Image: Supplied)*

Fr Pankaj thanked the educators, describing teachers as the root of society because every profession building the country passes through their hands.

During the feedback session, Gerehu Secondary School principal Saju Francis and Badihagwa Technical Secondary School principal Julie Vele commended the trainees for their punctuality and professionalism.

Mr Francis said Gerehu Secondary was highly impressed by the trainees’ commitment and was willing to accept as many DBTI student teachers as possible in the future.

Mrs Vele spoke of the technical value the trainees brought to her school, stating that their hands-on skills helped handle technical maintenance tasks internally, which reduced operational costs.

Other school representatives, including a spokesperson from Marianville Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the recognition and the trust placed in them to mentor the future educators.

The evening concluded with a performance by the DBTI AROB Cultural Group and closing remarks from dean of studies Delsie Maulangi.

Ms Maulangi said the dinner was the first of its kind for the institute and expressed hope that it would become an annual event to foster better teacher training programs.