It is 1st February 2024, the beginning of the 2nd half of the 2023/2024 academic year. We begin right after St. John Bosco’s feast and begin the semester with a festive mood.
The opening ceremony events were planned to be in two parts: morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session of the ceremony began at 11:00 hrs. in the Don Bosco Hall with an opening prayer followed by a report from the Principal of the Institute, Rev. Dr. Andrzej Toczyski SDB. He highlighted the significant events of the previous semester but also commended professors and students for their cooperation in a successful first semester, especially the flexibility demonstrated when the war broke out. He also announced the departure of the Registrar, Sr. Angela Ridout SJA, back to her home country, assuming a new responsibility. He introduced Rev. Dr. Vincent Bosco SDB as the new Registrar and Secretary of the Institute, who in a few words, assured all of his readiness to combine the teaching and administrative work, regardless of the challenges.
There was an open session where students could express themselves by asking questions for clarification or making suggestions for a better semester. The morning session ended with the election of Kelvin Mutalala M.Afr. as the New Student Representative. Sincere gratitude to the outgoing Student Representative Deac. Acent Mtika SDB.
The second part of the opening ceremony featured a lecture by Rev. Dr. David Neuhaus, SJ, entitled “Before Jews, Against Arabs: Jews from Arab Lands.” Fr. David’s lecture provided valuable intellectual nourishment, highlighting the Jewish contributions to Arab nations across various domains such as language, culture, and tradition throughout recent history. Alongside this insightful lecture, we celebrate the promotion of Rev. Dr. Samuel Obu, SDB, to the rank of Associate Professor. This is a recognition of his dedication and expertise in his field.
It was a successful and delightful opening ceremony, with interactive, recreational, and intellectual activities, helping us to launch into the second semester.
Well begun is half done!
BAAFAA Solomon M.Afr
February 2nd 2024