Thadialong, India – January 2024 – After weeks of preparation, the young volunteers from the Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN), the Communication Department of the Salesian St John Paul II Province of India-Shillong (INS), and the Don Bosco Youth Centre, delivered the goods collected during the Christmas and New Year period to residents in the remote Thadialong village in the district of West Jaintia Hills. The recipients of the donation received the materials with joy and gratitude from the DBMN Direvtor, Salesian Father Michael Makri. Volunteers traveled 86 kilometres to reach Thadialong and distribute a total of 210 packages. Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by the Sisters of the Visitation of Don Bosco (VSDB) and, subsequently, they participated in Holy Mass, before starting the distribution of gifts. It is the fourth consecutive year that the DBMN, in collaboration with the Don Bosco Youth Centre, has distributed Christmas gifts to the poorest families in the various villages.

Turin, Italy – January 2024 - Don Bosco Network (DBN), the Salesian network of NGOs and non-profit organisations operating in the field of development cooperation, held its Board of Directors from 15 to 17 January in Valdocco, to begin preparing for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of this network, created in 2004. The Board of Directors was able to count on the presence of Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for Missions, during the entire meeting, and also had several working meetings with the members of the General Council, such as Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry; Br. Jean Paul Muller, Economer General, and Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa and Madagascar Region. Among the various topics discussed: the redefinition of membership criteria, revision of the strategic plan, preparation of the 2024 activities, with particular attention to the anniversary celebrations to be held in June in Rome. It was also the occasion for a meeting with the Executive Committee of the  "International Volunteering for Development" (VIS)  NGO, meeting in Valdocco on the same days, to take stock of the technical support that VIS provides to the DBN and to get to know each other, given that some members of both institutions are new to their positions.

Portugal – January 2024 – "Advance in the Dream" was the theme of the meetings of preadolescents and adolescents belonging to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) that took place on 13 January 13 in Setúbal and Porto. About 400 participants at the national level reflected and worked on the theme, continuing the journey undertaken during this pastoral year, to share it with others, grow in human, relational and spiritual maturity and celebrate the faith together. The participants, full of joy, committed themselves to living Don Bosco's Dream at nine years of age 200 year later. The Salesian Youth Movement feels an integral part of this dream.

Cermeño, Panama – January 2024 . The Salesian Cooperators from the Don Bosco Basilica Centre in Panama held their annual Retreat at the Asís house of prayer, in Cermeño, near Capira from 12 to 14 January. The theme of the Retreat was "The Salesian Cooperator: agent of constant change". The preacher was Fr Manuel Gómez, SDB, local, national and regional delegate of the Salesian Cooperators. The activity began on Friday with the"exercise for a happy death" led by Roberto Laniado, a parish priest in Panamanian formation. The weekend's reflections revolved around the themes: co-responsibility in the mission, fraternal correction and human maturity, Strenna 2024 and the direction to follow for the new year. The Retreat involved presentations, group work, plenary sessions, personal and community prayer, Eucharist and fraternal moments. All activity was coordinated by the ASC Local Council.

Tandil, Argentina – January 2024 - A new edition of the School for Leaders was held at Villa Don Bosco, in the city of Tandil  from 2 to 8 January, involving 80 young leaders between the ages of 17 and 23. This edition is one of the formation opportunities for the Salesian Youth Movement in the Buenos Aires region of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco and was the second and last year of the School (the first took place in January 2022). The key elements of this second cycle were Salesianity, education and Christian commitment, which helped young people to make life choices according to the Salesian style. Accompanied by young people, Salesians and Sisters, during the days the participants were able to learn about the context and options made by St John Bosco and St Mary Domenica Mazzarello and their project to respond to the challenges of their time: "the oratory". The event was accompanied by FMA and SDB, with the presence of Fr Darío Perera, Superior of the Province of Southern Argentina (ARS), and Sister Silvia Boullosa, FMA Provincial, who sent a message addressed to young people.

Banpong, Thailand – January 2024 – The Salesian Educational Commission of Thailand organised the tenth edition of the Salesian Sports Festival from 12 to 15 January, an event that encourages sportsmanship, knowing how to accept victories and defeats and knowing how to forgive others. The Sports Festival was also an opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the Salesian presence in Thailand, under the motto: "Harmony leads to the century - relationships and unity, towards the 100th anniversary of the Salesians". The event, held at the Sarasit Phithayalai Salesian school was attended by eight schools, for a total of 2,000 athletes and students who competed in activities such as football, futsal, basketball, volleyball, sepak takraw, badminton, table tennis, bowls, Thai chess, checkers, swimming, athletics, and Rubik's cube. Fr Chinnawat Suvadinkul, Principal of the Sarasit school, presided over the event, while Fr Anthony Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, Superior of the Province of Thailand (THA), celebrated the opening Mass.