Portugal – December 2024 - Students from the Salesian Artisan Schools of Łódź, belonging to the Province of Warsaw, Poland (PLE), participated in the Erasmus "Setúbal Project", co-funded by the European Union. As part of the project, two groups of 15 students carried out two-week professional internships for computer technicians and mechatronic technicians. During the organisation and carrying out of the internship, the school collaborated with "EDUGEP" and the Vocational School in Setúbal. The stay in Portugal was an intense time for students to acquire new professional skills and develop competences in an international environment. The internships took place at local companies, which allowed participants to improve their qualifications and learn about the realities of working abroad. An important element of the trip was also the opportunity to form their spirituality with the pilgrimage to Fatima. Each group was accompanied by a Salesian priest and a Salesian collaborator working in the Salesian Artisan Schools, who supported the young people during their stay and internships.

Wisła, Poland – January 2025 – From 3 to 5 January 2025, 40 young people from different regions of Poland chose to spend the first days of the new year in a retreat organised by the Salesians. The reflections focused on love, especially seen with the eyes of John the Evangelist, and the young people also had the opportunity to explore the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis "Christus Vivit". In the magnificent scenery of the Polish mountain town of Wisła, the participants enjoyed spiritual and physical strengthening, sharing a sense of gratitude and mutual support.

Text and photo: Aleksandra Drabik

Mezzano di Primiero, Italy – January 2025 - From 2 to 4 January, the evocative setting of Mezzano di Primiero was the location for a meeting full of experiences, emotions and formation for ninety participants, including young people and guides, from different Salesian places in the Triveneto. The initiative, organised in the style of Don Bosco and the Salesian charism, was led by the groups of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) from the Triennium, the Research Group, "Face to Face" and "SYM Play", accompanied by Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. In addition, from 4 to 6 January about fifty young university students and workers from the largest group of SYM Uni-Lav young people, gathered in Mezzano di Primiero to experience three days of formation, prayer and sharing. Led by the walking team, the participants explored the theme of being children of the Father, linked to the sacrament of Baptism.