The e-Laboratory in Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati, which pilot-tested the integration of e-Learning in the school's technical-vocational training programs, was the first to be formally opened in a simple program and blessing rites officiated by MSTC spiritual moderator Fr. Exequiel Veloso, SDB .

  A brainchild of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, the e-Laboratory project was the Philippines' winning entry to last year's “DigitAll Hope” Contest, a regional social program that helps bridge the digital divide in Asia and Australia.

It is purposed to develop a competency-based, computer-aided instructional system in all Don Bosco Training Centers, the e-Learning Laboratory project's and is intended for mostly high school graduates and students. 

 The school received US$70,000 from Samsung Electronics for the implementation of its winning proposal. Through these laboratories, Don Bosco will utilize e-Learning in its training programs to help improve the lives of marginalized youth in the country.

Launched in 2003, “DigitAll Hope” donates US$600,000 among various organizations in eight countries in the Asia-Pacific with the aim of providing the lives of the youth through technology, thus, helping bridge the digital divide.

More than a hundred applications from Australia, Singapore, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines were entered into the program, which carried theme “Live your dream.”

 SEPCO president and CEO Sang Youl Eom happily states, “The program is part of Samsung's commitment to give back to the countries in which it operates.”

“We are very happy and appreciative of this undertaking in Samsung supported,” says Samsung e-Learning project director Carmelo Camon. He mentioned that during the initial stage of the project, there was a hope to address the training issues in Don Bosco Training centers north. He further reported that there were only six then and that now, they have already completed eight northern training centers.

The inauguration and blessing of the e-Learning Lab will go down in Don Bosco's history as the event also coincided with the institution's celebration of its 50th founding anniversary.

“Certainly, this occasion will help in the realization of Don Bosco's vision and mission of helping young people in its servant leadership and excellence through technology,” says Don Bosco provincial economer Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, Jr., SDB.

Also present during the program were Jim Romero, assistant technical director for Student's Affairs of Don Bosco, media associates, and some industrial electronics student-trainees of the school, who had their hands tried the brand-new computer units.

“First of all, we would like to thank Samsung for this e-Learning Lab, which is such a big help in our e-Learning subject,” expresses Arthur Barnizo, Jr., IE Batch 61 student trainee.

“We're very thankful because of the many schools that joined the program, Don Bosco was chosen to be provided with this laboratory,” acknowledges Jesci Antiqueña, a batchmate of Barnizo. “Malaking tulong ito sa amin dahil nakakapag-access kami sa computer katulad ng iba kahit na mahirap kami. Advantage din ito sa amin kasi nakakapag-advanced study kami.”

Barnizo adds, “Marami kaming mga kaalaman na makukuha rito. Para sa mahihirap na katulad namin, malaking tulong talaga ito kasi nakikita namin ang actual construction at kung anong function ng mga piyesa ng computer.”

Aware of the challenge posted by vocational training for every training institution, Camon says, “With this endeavor, we hope to become relevant with the needs of the industry. We always believe that the use of information technology can help solve the issue of the digital divide.”

“In education, Don Bosco makes things happen. We don't wait, we don't ask. For it is the goal of Don Bosco to serve our young people and have them realize their dreams for a better future,” says Bicomong, as he thanked Eom and the entire company of Samsung for their landmark contribution for the poor and the needy.

“This small gesture can bring in a bigger result hope to the less trained. This could be a great contribution to their future,” says Eom. “We at Samsung will do successfully to become something to the society,” he ends.