Ecuador - National Meeting of the Salesian University Association brought together more than 300 young people
Ecuador – July 2024 - The National Meeting of the Salesian University Association (ASU) took place on the El Girón and South Quito campuses of the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) involving some 300 young people belonging to the delegations from Guayaquil, Cuenca and Quito. This event, which last took place in 2018, is significant for the integration, formation and consolidation of ASU's identity. The welcome ceremony was attended by Fr Juan Cárdenas, Rector of UPS, the vice-rectors of the three campuses, as well as professors, faculty directors and group leaders. During his speech, Fr Cardenas stressed that the University is not only a physical infrastructure, but is embodied in each of its students; the UPS is also these spaces of fraternity and commitment. One of the central aims of the meeting was to promote the integration of students participating in the ASU in the University, through various formation activities based on the theme of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024. From this document, a methodology was proposed with group workshops that encouraged reflection. One of the central activities was the exhibition of the five areas of the ASU: academic, socio-political, communication, cultural and sports. The animators and members of each area set up several stands where they shared the activities they carry out in each of the locations and invited more university students to join these proposals. The event also offered spaces for prayer and an encounter with God.