Ibadan, Nigeria – September 2023 – The Annual Congress of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) for the Africa Nigeria and Niger Province (ANN) took place in Ibadan, from 7 to 10 September under the theme “As yeast in today’s human family. The lay dimension of the Family of Don Bosco". In the presence of many young people from different corners of Nigeria – Akure, Lagos, Koko, Ijebu Ode, Abuja, Ondo and Onitsha – the Congress explored the fundamental role of the laity in Don Bosco's mission. The vibrant blend of cultures and perspectives fostered a rich exchange of ideas. The young people were also involved in specific courses aimed at acquiring skills in printing, media, photography, videography and more. The participants described the SYM Congress as a beacon of spiritual enrichment and evangelisation and now they are already waiting for the new 2024 edition, to be held in Onitsha.

Zagreb, Croatia – September 2023 – On the occasion of the beginning of the new school year, students at the  Domink Savio school in Zagreb, and their families, received a visit from Archbishop Dražen Kutleša, Archbishop of Zagreb. In an atmosphere of joy and encouragement, the Archbishop celerbated the Mass, concelebrated by Fr Tihomir Šutalo, Superior of the Salesian Province of Croatia (CRO), Fr Danijel Vidović, Parish Priest of the Church of Mary Help of Christians, and Fr Mario Bobić, chaplain of the school. In his homily, Archbishop Dražen Kutleša stressed that everyone should always strive to go to Jesus and that it is up to parents and teachers to guide children along this path with great love. 

Chennai, India – September 2023 – One of St John Bosco’s main objectives was the education of young people. Thus the Salesian Province of India-Chennai has taken proactive measures to help young students in the State of Manipur, whose education has been affected by the ongoing unrest in the State. On 10 September, 27 young people from Manipur arrived in Chennai and were admitted to various Salesian institutes, to resume their studies and prepare for admission to universities. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, INM Provincial, welcomed them with a message of hope and with the promise that they will find the best education n Chennai's schools and all the tools to start over and pursue their goals. Fr Joseph Leo, Rector of SURABI, and Fr Simolin, Head of the Don Bosco Migrant Services, supervised the process and ensured that the students had easy access to their new educational environment.