Esmeraldas, Ecuador – September 2024 – 150 people participated in the 1st edition of the Afro-Ecuadorian youth meeting: 138 young people and 12 educators from Salesian works in Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, San Lorenzo and the host city, Esmeraldas. The event took place from 30 August to 1 September at the María Auxiliadora Fiscomisional Educational Unit. During the meeting, several activities were proposed that aim to promote the participation, integration and empowerment of young people of African origin in Salesian works. The proposed work methodology involved the participation and support of a group of teachers from the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS), based in Quito. They were in charge of moderating formation topics aimed at understanding the current reality of Afro-Ecuadorian youth. Among the central events of the meeting: a round table on the richness of African culture and its contribution to the Salesian Youth Movement and the Marimba Festival, during which young people demonstrated their skills for music and dance.