St. Don Bosco Vocational Training Center held its graduation ceremony on March 13, sending 12 young trainees into society after they completed a two-year program in technical skills and personal formation.

The ceremony brought together priests, teachers, religious brothers and sisters, and students. Out of 42 total trainees, 12 completed the full program this academic year.

Encouragement for the Journey Ahead

Fr. Michael Tuling opened the ceremony with words of pride and challenge for the graduates.

“I am very proud of you today,” Fr. Tuling said. “You have completed two years of learning here. Now you are no longer students. You are going into the real world. Use what you have learned.”

He reminded them that education alone does not shape a person’s future. The choices they make in life matter most.

“We can teach you everything without reserve, but it depends on how you accept it,” he said. “We can give you freedom, but you must protect it. We can advise you, but you must decide. We can teach you to love others and to be kind, but we cannot force you. In the end, your life depends on your choices.”

Sent on Mission

Fr. John Galang La Raw, parish priest of St. Columban Cathedral, congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their talents for their communities.

“When I look at you, you remind me of the twelve disciples of Jesus,” he said. “Like them, you are being sent on a mission. Use what you have learned and do not bury your talents like the wicked servant mentioned in the Gospel.”

Formation of Good Citizens and Christians

Fr. Joseph La Htoi, spiritual director of the center, told RVA Lisu that the program forms young people with both technical skills and moral values.

“Another year has passed amidst the unpredictable political situation. Everything is by the grace of God,” he said. “We try to form them as good citizens and good Christians according to the spirit of Don Bosco.”

He added that graduates would carry the mission to places teachers cannot reach. “We cannot go everywhere, but they will go where we cannot go. Through their words and actions, they will share what they have learned here.”

Skills for Work and Leadership

Bro. James Mung Awng, the disciplinarian, said the program helps young people build livelihoods and become responsible community members.

“They will become leaders in their villages,” he said. “With the skills they have learned here, they can earn a living through manual work, craftsmanship, or other professional opportunities.”

He said 35 to 40 students usually complete training each year. The center is the only institution in the region providing vocational education and job-creating skills for youth.

Practical Training and Holistic Education

The center has six teachers and is supported by four priests, along with religious brothers and sisters.

Male students train in mechanics, carpentry, and ironwork. Female students specialize in sewing and tailoring.

Trainees also study youth catechism, the sacraments, Christian ethics, youth leadership, personal development, work ethics, and basic mathematics for construction work.

A Long Tradition of Empowering Youth

Established in 2001, the center has produced thousands of graduates over two decades. Many now work in different trades, supporting families and contributing to community development.

Following the educational spirit of St. John Bosco, the center continues its mission of empowering young people from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds through practical education, faith formation, and guidance for responsible living.

By RVA Lisu Service