Kabgayi, Rwanda - September 2023 - Friday 1 September saw the conclusion of Youth Camp 2023 at the Salesian Oratorio Scolasticat Don Bosco Kabgayi after a month of activities. More than 1,200 children, adolescents and young people between the ages of 3 and 17 participated and were instructed in a wide range of activities that included sports, catechism, language study, musical instruments and games, among others. The ceremony began with Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr Raymond Bavumiragiye, Vice-Superior of the Africa Great Lakes Vice-Province (AGL), and the blessing of the newly renovated basketball court to provide a safe and conducive environment for the youth to play. Present at the event were Mr Eric Bizimana, Deputy Mayor of Muhanga District with responsibility for Economic Development, religious leaders, friends of Don Bosco, members of ADMA and parents of the children. Mr Bizimana expressed his deep appreciation to the Salesians and the Catholic Church in general for their constant contribution in helping the government to preserve the welfare of the youth, and inviting other partners to follow in the footsteps of the Church. "On behalf of the local government, I would like to thank the Salesians for their contribution in providing education to children and youth, especially the young and poor," said the Deputy Mayor. The rector of the Don Bosco community in Kabgayi, Fr Anacleto Munyankindi, said, "We had planned for this event to last two weeks. However, as the days passed, the number of children kept increasing so we decided to extend it to a whole month. This time we welcomed more than 1,200 children a day. This is the first time we have received such a large number here in Kabgayi".