A meaningful gathering took place at St Boniface High School in Maputsoe, Lesotho, as former pupils from the Class of 2018 met with this year’s school leavers to encourage them to become part of a new Past Pupils Association currently being established.
Furthermore, a meeting brought together ten school prefects, a teacher representative, and members of the 2018 alumni group. The encounter provided an opportunity to strengthen the bond between former and current students while reflecting on the Salesian spirit that continues to shape generations of young people.
During the discussions, participants highlighted several ideas for the future. They expressed the desire to organise a one-week camp for those who had missed the “Love Matters” programme in 2025 and called for increased sporting activities among Salesian schools. There was also a strong emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship, encouraging young people to become self-reliant rather than solely seeking employment opportunities.
The students shared their dreams for the future of the school and its community. Among these were the hope that lunch could one day be provided to students, the establishment of regular mentoring opportunities, and greater formation in the Catholic faith to help young people grow closer to God and live according to Christian values.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the warm and supportive relationships they enjoy with their teachers. They also spoke positively about the recent visit and testimony of St Boniface alumni, describing the experience as motivating and energising, inspiring them to deepen their personal commitment and service to others.
At the same time, the young people openly discussed the challenges they face. Concerns regarding mental health within extended families, the difficulty of helping people who are struggling, and overcoming a mentality of failure were all raised. Peer pressure emerged as one of the most significant challenges confronting today’s youth. Participants also reflected on the negative impact of social media, particularly in the wake of recent events affecting the school community, and stressed the importance of protecting young people’s confidence and well-being.
The meeting marked an important step towards the creation of a St Boniface High School Past Pupils Association. Inspired by the Salesian charism of Don Bosco, the association seeks to foster lifelong bonds among former students, provide mentorship to younger generations, and continue building a vibrant community committed to faith, service, and the integral development of young people.
As the first seeds of this new initiative are being planted, there is great hope that the St Boniface family will continue to grow stronger, ensuring that the spirit of St John Bosco remains alive and active in the lives of present and future generations.
