Ypacaraí, Paraguay – February 2024 – The 2024 Pedagogical Days were held at the Salesian Family House in Ypacaraí from 1-2 February. Community directors, school students, members of the board of directors and technical councils, pastoral coordinators and secretaries, as well as teachers of religion participated. These days are one instance of ongoing formation of the members of the Educative and Pastoral Communities. During the days, topics related to pastoral animation were addressed, including: "Pastoral animation of Salesian schools: The articulation of the dimensions of the Salesian Educative and Pastoral Project", by Fr Francisco Miranda, Delegate for Youth Ministry for the Salesian Province of Paraguay (PAR); "Bio-psychosocial characteristics of children, adolescents and young people today", by Mrs. Elena Codas; and "Pastoral animation of Salesian schools: concepts, managers, criteria", by Fr Nilo Zarate, Delegate for Youth Ministry and Education to the faith. Thanks to this meeting, it was restated that school ministry is the task and responsibility of all educators in this environment, and not only of those responsible; and it develops across the entire educational task, and not only in specific activities. In this sense, it can be said that the educators of the Salesian school must nurture pastoral intentionality in their educational work.

Jorhat, India – 31 January 2024 – The Institute for Culture and Rural Development (I-CARD) has opened “Zoom-in-Life”, an audio-video recording studio, and media education centre in Baghchung, Jorhat. Jayanta Nath, musician, songwriter, composer and director, opened the audio studio and the centre on 31 January, the day of the Feast of Don Bosco. The event was also attended by Fr Nazarius Lakra, Vice-Provincial of the Province of India-Dimapur (IND), who symbolically lit the lamp, and Fr K.A. Thomas, SDB, Director of I-CARD, visibly excited by the results achieved by the Institute. In the program of the day, which saw a succession of educators, musicians, writers, artists, poets and journalists from the cultural capital of Assam, all wished a glorious future to "Zoom-In-Life" and expressed the hope that the centre would open a new phase for the development of Jorhat and Assam in general.

Kigali, Rwanda – February 2024 - In the rural sector of Gikomero, hope is rekindled for a group of young people who have faced the harsh reality of poverty. At the Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School, the Salesian vocational training school, these yongsters not only have the opportunity to receive an education, but also receive the necessary tools to succeed in life. Basic reading, arithmetic and writing skills were luxuries they could only dream of. However, after enrolling in the Salesian school their lives took a positive turn as the institute's mission is to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of education. Offering a comprehensive education in core areas, the school provides these students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue professional studies in fields such as construction, tailoring or the culinary arts after graduation at the literacy level. The journey begins with patient and dedicated teachers who understand the challenges these youngsters face. But they go much further, to create a safe and stimulating environment in which every student can grow. With personalised attention and innovative teaching methods, students quickly overcome initial difficulties and joyfully embrace learning. The success of the Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School would not be possible without the support of good-hearted philanthropists, generous people who play a vital role with their contributions, because they provide meals, resources and infrastructure improvements that allow the school to continue its mission. The Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School continues to demonstrate every day that with the right support and opportunities, no dream is too big to achieve.

Krakow, Poland – February 2024 – The presentation of the book "In the current of ethical personalism" was held on 6 February at the Salesian Seminary (WSDTS) in Krakow. The book is dedicated to Prof. Don Tadeusz Biesaga, SDB, to commemorate his academic work at the Pontifical John Paul II University in Krakow. A special thanks went to its curators, Prof. Grzegorz Hołub and Prof. Piotr Duchliński, his former students, who wanted to thank their professor in this way. Fr Biesaga, for 43 years, that is, since 1981, has taught subjects at the Salesian Seminary in Krakow such as anthropology, ethics, theory of knowledge, methodology, semiotics, history of modern and contemporary philosophy and bioethics. In the years 1988-1996 he worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Ethics at the Faculty of Philosophy of the Academy of Catholic Theology in Warsaw. Since 1996 he has worked at the Faculty of Philosophy, first at the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow, and then at the John Paul II University. He is the promoter of 8 doctorates and 270 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate theses. He is the author of several books and articles in magazines and collective works, both Polish and foreign.

Foto: Archivio dell 'Inspettoria PLS

Cumiana, Italy – February 2024 – On Sunday, 4 February, Father Gabriel Cruz, SDB, led the day of recollection for the Primary Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) for the first time since his appointment as the new animator of the association, which took place on 1 January. To welcome him, at Rebaudengo in Cumiana there was a large "family of families" walking under the mantle of Mary. The theme of the recollection, included in the formation course for the year, focused on the dream at 9 years of age, leading to the International Congress of Mary Help of Christians in Fatima (29 August – 1 September 2024), was: "The Mystery of the Name: you know what you live". It was an opportunity to reflect on the fact that God, as he did with Don Bosco, calls each one by name and gives a mission that must be lived in faith and perseverance, with the certainty that "in good time" everything will be understood. In addition to catechesis, Fr Cruz dedicated ample space to recounting the personal journey that led him to ADMA. With a joyful smile and great simplicity, the Salesian told of his birth in Mexico, of his encounter with the Salesian world, of entering the seminary chosen "almost by chance", of his desire to be sent on mission, accepted after 10 years of service in initial formation, in prisons and with street youth in Mexico City, and then of the years of mission in Pakistan.

Source: salesianipiemonte.info

Golaghat, India – February 2024 – A National Conference on Financial Literacy was held from 1-2 February at the Manllio Research Centre at Don Bosco College Golaghat on the theme: "Strengthening the Nation: Improving Financial Literacy for a Prosperous Future". The Conference was organised by Don Bosco College in collaboration with other institutions, such as BSE Limited and Research and Publication Cell. The event opened with an address by Fr Jerry Thomas, SDB, Director of the Salesian Institute in Jorhat, who stressed the crucial role of financial literacy in promoting economic growth, business ethics and individual prosperity. The conference then reiterated the importance of inclusive financial education, which responds to the different needs of various demographic groups. There was also discussion on how to overcome barriers and how to reduce poverty and how to address women's financial literacy. Room was given, especially on the second day, to the interaction between technology and financial literacy. Participants and speakers also stressed the need for collaboration between government, educational institutions and the private sector.