Situated along the Okuk Highway just before reaching the Kerowagi-Koronigle Junction is the Don Bosco Simbu Technical College, a college unlike any other where students stepping into its gates, walk out two to three years later as leaders in their own fields. This year, student registrations at the Don Bosco Simbu Technical College officially opened on the 29th January and closed on the 9th of February for the online selected students, but the administration will still be allowing registration to continue until the 22nd of February to allow for the non-school leavers as well as give time for continuing students to travel to the school. Rector of DBSTC, Fr. Clifford Morais stated that they have extended registration dates to give time to parents and guardians to look for financial support for their children as most students had lost their HECAS scholarships due to the GPA increase to 2.8. “Most of our students are facing financial struggles right now with the GPA pushed up to 2.8, it has become difficult for them. They have to find money for their airfares, boarding and school fees as well as their expenses when travelling up here.” “This situation has now put big pressure on the parents of students with the recent looting affecting their work, hence affecting their financial support to their children.” He mentioned that some first year students have opted to securing spaces in other schools within their provinces due to the fear of travelling to a new school with a new environment and new people to get used to. “We have seen a drop in number of the first years coming in this year. So far, we have an estimate of 275 students already registered and that is about half of our entire student body because each year we have a total of around 550-560 students enrolled.” Fr. Clifford stated that students enrolled this year can look forward to a better learning environment as the teachers and administration have put effort into creating a more ambient space in the school. Additionally, he said that the school is working on installing a WiFi network on which students will have access to their tests and assignments online. “We are still purchasing equipment bit by bit but we have already installed the wireless network for our school WiFi as we plan to introduce online-learning here at DBSTC to create a wider network coverage for our students.” “So, even if students are sick and have to miss school, they can still login online and follow up on what is being taught in the classrooms.” Furthermore, Fr. Clifford stated that Don Bosco Simbu Technical College will launch its website on the 21st of March, 2024, making it the first college to be working wireless in the region and will be working on introducing its Diploma in Carpentry and Diploma in Instrumentation Courses in the coming year. “We have authorities from DHERST come in each year and they have helped us work on our programs for 2025.” Meanwhile, Don Bosco Simbu as well as many of the Don Bosco schools in Papua New Guinea have taught students to be good servants and honest citizens, who are currently a huge group not only in the Mechanical and Technical fields, but also in other career paths. “We are proud to see our past students working in good companies. It is what drives and motivates us to do better and upgrade ourselves for our students’ better learning experiences in preparation for the field of work.”