A Marist Catholic missionary, Brother Martin Connell is delighted to see that education standards is continuing and progressing since after the post conflict situation in Bougainville.
Brother Martin was among a group of Marist, who established Bishop Wade Tarlena Secondary School in North Bougainville. And he was the guest of honour at the 25th Anniversary celebration.
Br Martin said that Bishop Wade was an off shot to the Marist School Saint Joseph’s Rigu High School in Central Bougainville because of the need of education following the civil war on the island.
“There was a need for a school at the north of the island. But we couldn’t get across to Buka at that time, because it was already full at high school level so it was necessary to keep on with that schooling,” He told EMTV News.
“We didn’t was to loose the continuity of it, which is so important in a school. Once you’ve got a good spirit established in a school, then you keep it going, with good teaching and good activities.”
Bishop Wade for over years has continued to produce some of Bougainville’s top elites. What is important is instilling to students the challenge in realising the importance of education.
“It gives you a great feeling, that what you did was a right thing and instilling in the children, a challenge of them to put their best so that they can take on the situation right through the future,” said Br Martin.
The amalgamation of Saint Anne’s Vocational with Bishop Wade Secondary saw the education instition being called Bishop Wade Technical Secondary School.
The 25 years of Silver Jubilee is a milestone for teacher like Judith Matari Kisu.
“From 1997 to 2000, I was a student here. And coming back to teach here celebrating 25 years of education,” said Ms Kisu.
Even visitors like Adelfo Morobe and Cynthia Vagi came far from Port Moresby to be part of the celebration.
“We are so happy to experience such celebration on our visit to this beautiful region. A region with diverse culture, and we would like to congratulate also Bishop Wade Technical Secondary School for the milestone achievement of providing education for Bougainvilleans and others,” Morove said.
