Walkerville, South Africa – February 2024 - The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Johannesburg celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco on Sunday 11 February at the Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville. It was a beautiful meeting of the groups of the Salesian Family, SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, as well as former Salesian Volunteers and members of the SYM. The day began with the Mass presided over by Fr Václav Klement, Superior of the Southern Africa Vice-Province (AFM), followed by the video presentation of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024, followed by a debate. The day ended with a talent show with which the young people celebrated, with music and poetry, Don Bosco's Dream at 9 years of age of which this year marks the 200th anniversary.

Angadikadavu, India – February 2024 – Don Bosco College in Angadikadavu, Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Deepika award, in recognition of academic excellence. The award was presented at the 137th annual celebration of Deepika, the pioneering Malayalam newspaper founded in 1887. The award was presented on 10 February, thus adding another recognition to the illustrious history of the Salesian institute. Fr Bastin Nellissery, Director of Don Bosco College, and Fr Francis Karackatt, Dean, had the honour of receiving the award from the Honorable President of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala, A. N. Shamseer. The Salesian Institute in Angadikadavu, attended by over 1,200 students from all over India, offers a wide range of courses, including ten undergraduate programs and eight postgraduate programs. This award testifies to the endless dedication of teachers and all staff and strengthens the institution's position as a pioneer in the field of education, inspiring future generations.

Sliema, Malta – February 2024 – Friends of Don Bosco in Malta organised a four-day course focusing on mentoring disadvantaged young people. The Erasmus+ programme, funded by the European Union, is in fact training several youth workers to help vulnerable young people better discover their potential and achieve specific life goals, thanks to the support of a tutor. The course was attended by 28 youth workers from Spain, Malta, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Aruba, including numerous Friends of Don Bosco and Past Pupils who already work with young people in their volunteer activities. The course addressed several issues related to the role and responsibility of a tutor, also highlighting the Salesian approach to non-formal education. The sessions were held by a team of professionals engaged in working with disadvantaged young people and with mentoring experience, including Louis Debono, Ariana Abela, Audrey Agius, Clive Bonnici and Bryan Magro, President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils.

Krakow, Poland – February 2024 – A meeting of Rectors of and others in charge of Salesian presences of the Province of Poland-Cracovia (PLS) took place on 6-7 February in the Salesian Seminary in Krakow. Some special guests spoke: Mrs Joanna Urbańczyk, who spoke about the richness of the Salesian charism, seen through the eyes of a layperson; and Mrs Marta Trojanowska and Mr Tomasz Ślusarczyk, who gave a conference on the theme of the care of the Salesians' historical heritage: works of art and archival documents in Salesian institutions. In addition, the participants listened to the Provincial Delegates who presented the situation of the Youth Ministry, Social Communication and Salesian Missions Sectors.

Photo: PLS Facebook page

Makati, Philippines, February 2024 – An "Encounter" event took place from 9-10 February, bringing together over 2,000 students from the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) of the Province of the Northern Philippines (FIN). The event, which made its official return after a five-year break, was focused on the theme "The dream that makes you dream", inspired by the Rector Major's Strenna 2024. It was a success, characterised by various activities that involved students and fostered a sense of teamwork and rapport with their teachers. “Encounter” is designed to demonstrate the skills and talents of CFP students and formators and promote fellowship and networking among them. The following spoke: Fr Juvelan Samia, SDB, who spoke on the subject; Fr Gerardo Martin, SDB, FIN Provincial, with the "Salesian Goodnight"; and Fr José Dindo Vitug, SDB, Executive Director of Don Bosco-One TVET Philippines, Inc, with the closing address.

Kigali, Rwanda – February 2024 - On 10February the Don Bosco kindergarten and primary school in Kimihurura, in the city of Kigali, celebrated the feast of Don Bosco. The event was made even more special by the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism and First Communion for children studying in the school and the blessing and official opening of the new school buildings. Fr Celestin Ngoboka, Superior of the Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Vice-Province presided at the Mass attended by young people, relatives, school teachers and representatives of the local government.