Costa Rica – National Preferential Option Meeting: "New courtyards and digital evangelisation"
San José, Costa Rica – July 2024 - In the heart of the Alajuelita district, in San José, CEDES Don Bosco became a flourishing of energy and enthusiasm on Saturday 27 July. Young people, formators and animators from all the Salesian presences in Costa Rica gathered for a day of formation and sharing on crucial issues for contemporary youth life. The meeting focused on "New courtyards and digital evangelisation". During the day, the positive aspects of the different environments in which children, adolescents and young adults live today were explored, as well as the impact of these on their lives. However, the presence of hidden dangers in the vast digital world has also been recognised, which can trap and make young people vulnerable. These risks include, among others, sexting, sextortion and cyberbullying. The day highlighted the importance of the presence of the Salesian educator, capable of navigating this digital world to guide, accompany and, from the same platforms, educate and evangelise young people. The formation event aimed to provide educators with tools and strategies to address these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital environment. The event not only strengthened the bonds between the participants, but also provided them with new perspectives and tools to continue in the mission of educating and evangelising in an increasingly digitised world.