Ecuador - November 2023 - At the end of November, the Yankuam Jintia football schools were inaugurated in the Achuar Community in Wampuik with 120 children and young people, and in the Achuar Community of Wachirpas with 150 of them. Football equipment was handed over to the volunteers responsible for implementing the project in their communities. Authorities from both communities, teachers and parents were present. The aim is to train and educate boys, girls, adolescents and young people in their free time. The values of football can contribute a lot to the development, growth, education and health of Achuar youth. This project is made possible with the help of the United States New Rochelle Project.
Shillong, India - December 2023 - The “SYM Youth Fest 2023” took place from 1 to 3 December at the campus of St Anthony's Higher Secondary School, with the participation of young people from various Salesian institutions and parishes. Under the theme "Youth for Peace", the festival embraced a holistic approach, offering a wide range of programmes including in-depth study of the theme; stress management facilitated by a psychologist; spiritual sessions; art performances; talent shows; leadership training; meetings and animations on the ideals of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM); and environmental clean-up activities.
(ANS – Cartago) - The local social communication teams of the 23 works of the Salesian Province of Central America (CAM) met for the eighth annual meeting from 27 to 30 November. On the first day, a forum was held with the General Councillor for Social Communication, Fr Gildasio Mendes, a virtual meeting aimed at opening the debate on current issues in the use of digital technologies.
(ANS – RMG) – During the winter session of the General Council on 6 December, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, with the consent of the members of his Council, appointed Fr Peter Končanas Superior of the Salesian Province of Slovenia (SLO) for the six-year period 2024-2030.
(ANS – Santa Cruz) – Students attending the Madre Cándida Center, located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, have new computer equipment thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The funding provided 14 new computers to improve the computer laboratory which had obsolete and outdated equipment.
Chosica, Peru – December 2023 - A joyful parade took place through the main streets of the neighborhood on Saturday, 2 December, as part of the 50th anniversary of San Juan Bosco parish , Chosica, thus marking the beginning of a week filled with celebrations and gratitude. The event was attended by the Salesians of the community, members of the Salesian Family in Chosica, various parish groups, groups of the Salesian Youth Movement, members of the three parish oratories and Christian communities distributed throughout the parish territory.