Revitalising Culture and Heritage

Earlier this year, La Salle Technical Secondary School proudly hosted its much-anticipated Cultural Show under the inspiring theme "Revitalising Culture and Heritage." Held at the prestigious Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex, the event ran seamlessly from 8:30am through to 2:00pm, marking a momentous occasion that celebrated and honoured the rich and vibrant traditions of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This Cultural Show aimed to inspire the younger generation to reconnect with and breathe new life into the treasured customs, stories, and artistry that have shaped our diverse nation for centuries. Our culture, with its myriads of languages, dances, and rituals, serves as the living heartbeat of PNG, grounding our identity and enriching our social fabric. It is through such events that the spirit of our ancestors is kept alive, forging pride and continuity for future generations.

The event was a resounding success, drawing over 10,000 attendees including students, parents, staff, government officials, Department of Education representatives, and members of the public. It was a day marked by unity, celebration, and respect, with no incidents reported—a testament to the excellent organization and discipline fostered by the school community.

More than 1,000 students showcased their talents, bringing to life a spectacular display of cultural pride through dance and performance. Four regional groups participated, representing the rich diversity of PNG’s provinces:

Momase Region: Four dances from Sandaun, East Sepik, Madang, and Morobe.

Highlands Region: Seven dances from Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Western Highlands, Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela, and West Papua.

New Guinea Islands Region: Seven dances from Bougainville, Manus, New Ireland Girls and Boys, East New Britain Girls and Boys, and West New Britain.

Southern Region: Seven dances from Milne Bay, Oro, Gulf, Western, Kairuku, Rigo, Abau, and Motuan.

This diverse showcase brilliantly highlighted the cultural wealth and unity of PNG’s people, each dance narrating stories passed down through generations, each rhythm echoing ancestral voices.

The smooth running of the event—starting and concluding on time—and the meticulous planning were highly commended by all attendees. La Salle Technical Secondary School aptly demonstrated the hallmark of a standard and well-organized institution. The collective efforts of teaching and non-teaching staff, students, parents, trainers, and dressers were evident throughout, all contributing to the success of the event. Their commitment was rewarded with a fundraise exceeding K100,000, which will support newly constructed “VIRTUE” Hall’s final payment.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PNG CULTURE

Papua New Guinea’s culture is one of the richest tapestries in the world, with over 800 languages and an extraordinary array of customs and traditions. Our culture is the essence of our identity—it connects us to our ancestors, our land, and each other. It teaches respect for nature, communal living, and our responsibilities as custodians of this heritage. Events like this Cultural Show safeguard our traditional knowledge and provide a platform for young people to appreciate, embrace, and carry forward these vital cultural legacies.

In conclusion, the Cultural Show was not only a vibrant celebration of PNG’s heritage but a powerful reminder that culture is a living, evolving force that unites our nation. La Salle Technical Secondary School stands proud as a beacon of cultural pride and educational excellence, inspiring a new generation to cherish and revitalize our unique heritage.

Source: Br. Antony Samy Pancras - Principal