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(ANS – New Rochelle) - Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring International Day of People with Disabilities. Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable societies and communities. In 1981, the U.N. proclaimed Dec. 3 as a recognized day for the celebration of the achievements of people living with disabilities across the world.
Shillong, India- November 2024 – In 1996, the United Nations founded the "Child-Friendly Cities Initiatives" to guarantee the rights of children in an increasingly urbanised and decentralised world. The Salesians in Shillong and Dimapur have now welcomed this initiative, implementing it under the name of "Project to strengthen social participation and promote children's rights". The project was made possible thanks to the collaboration with "AIDA", the social development wing of the Province of Dimapur, India and with the Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS), the Planning and Development Office of the Salesian Province of Shillong India (INS) and with the technical support of the Don Bosco National Forum for Young People at Risk. A training program for personnel was therefore held from 25 to 28 November, with the aim of strengthening and consolidating the skills necessary for the effective implementation of the initiative. An in-depth reflection and discussion on data analysis, results and recommendations by external evaluators from New Delhi was held at the BIDS headquarters in Shillong. During the formation event the participants were engaged in an intense session on the importance of digital documentation, which included an information session on "Homelink DIGI" by Fr Joe Prabu. The programme allowed staff to reflect, share ideas and adopt new strategies to make tomorrow child-friendly.
Lille, France – November 2024 – More than 70 participants gathered at the Lycée Notre-Dame d 'Annay, a Salesian house in Lille, for the annual meeting of the Don Bosco network in the north. The latter brings together social, school and parish works from Guînes (near Calais) to Tournai, on the other side of the Franco-Belgian border, passing through Bailleul, Lille, Ronchin and Blandain. The purpose of the event was to reaffirm the commitment of young people in Salesian houses and to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the "Défi Citoyenneté" programme, the "Citizenship Challenge". The responsibilities and practices related to the project have been revisited and good moments of reflection and sharing have resulted. At the end of the meeting, appointments were set between the Salesian houses to maintain ties and carry out common projects.
Lima, Peru - November 2024 - The 14th National Congress of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), held from 22 to 24 November at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Chosica, Lima, had several key activities to promote spirituality and youth organisation in the Salesian context. During the Congress, work was done on implementing the conclusions of the Salesian Synod at Valdocco to adapt them to the reality of the SYM in Peru. The participating services and core team analysed the commitments made at the previous congress, enabling a review of progress. In addition, the election of a new SYM council for the 2025-2026 period took place, and the youth leadership was renewed, highlighting the importance of youth participation in Salesian management. The event was attended by important figures of the Salesian Family such as Fr José Kamza Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Peru (PER) and Sister Elsy Núñez, FMA Provincial, who emphasised unity and shared mission in the formation of young people.