Caracas, Venezuela - October 2024 - On 7 and 8 October, the Salesian Provincial House in Venezuela (VEN) was the scene of a significant meeting of those responsible for Salesian pastoral work, convened with the aim of evaluating, reflecting and projecting pastoral work in the various Salesian works. This event was animated by the Provincial Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry, Fr Jorge Bastidas, who offered an opportunity for dialogue and in-depth study of the current situation in the country and its impact on pastoral activity. The central objective of the meeting was to unite Salesian pastoral agents to address the evaluation and planning of pastoral activity, in line with the guidelines established in the Salesian Educative and Pastoral Plan (SEPP) and the Sectoral Operational Plan (POS) 2019-2025. During the work, there was a deep reflection on the meaning of pastoral care, as well as an assessment of its scope and application in Salesian works. The most relevant aspects of the meeting were: formal presentation of the sector and service delegates to those responsible for pastoral animation, strengthening and promoting collaborative work; identification of the challenges arising from the current situation of the country, adapting pastoral strategies to a changing context; specific moments were dedicated to deepening the challenges from a spiritual perspective, looking for indications in the biblical teachings to orient pastoral action. The meeting offered an opportunity for evaluation and reflection on the work done, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of those responsible for pastoral care to the Salesian mission.

Mumbai, India - October 2024 - The Salesian Province of Mumbai , India, was privileged to host a series of Retreats led by the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, on ‘Your face, Lord, I seek’. The Retreats began last 22 September and will end on Saturday 12 October. Rectors, Leaders and numerous Salesians have gathered during these weeks at Don Bosco Lonavla and at the Khandala Prayer House, for an authentic opportunity for spiritual renewal and deeper reflection on Salesian life, leadership and the mission entrusted by Don Bosco to his Sons. The Rector Major Emeritus, in his opening address, invited those present to seek the face of God and urged them to encounter Christ in a deep and personal way and to let this relationship inspire them. Throughout the Retreats, Fr Chávez urged participants to live their Salesian vocation with courage, conviction and an unwavering sense of mission, reminding them that they are all called to transform the world by serving young people, especially those on the margins. At the end of the Retreat, those present said they felt deeply grateful as the words of Rector Major Emeritus were a strong invitation to serve the young, especially the poor, and reminded them that holiness is at the heart of the Salesian vocation.

Jakarta, Indonesia – October 2024 – In a ceremony held on 4 October at the Mangkuluhur ARTOTEL in Jakarta, Indonesia, Don Bosco Tech proudly received an award from Amazon Web Services for having made an exceptional contribution to the improvement of the lives of young people and NEET women (a term that refers to those who do not study, work or receive training). Don Bosco Tech has trained thousands of students, a significant result that affirms the constant commitment to transform lives and empower marginalised communities. For over a decade, Accenture Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a trusted partner of Don Bosco Tech, has played a fundamental role in supporting this initiative, financing and enabling the annual training of over 7,000 young people in the service sector and technical industries. This collaboration allows for positive and lasting change within the poorest communities.

Mérida, Venezuela – October 2024 – On 3 October, the Salesian San Luís School in Mérida celebrated its 75th anniversary with an exciting religious ceremony presided over by Archbishop Helizandro Terán, Metropolitan Archbishop of Mérida. The educational institution, founded by Fr Tomás Foronda in 1949, has been a pillar in the formation of generations of young people in Mérida. During the Eucharist, Archbishop Terán stressed the importance of Catholic education in today's society and highlighted the school's commitment to the integral formation of its students. In the same way, he invited them to continue working to form competent and committed Christians in their community. The celebration was attended by former students, teachers, parents, religious and friends of the institute, who gathered to thank for the 75 years of history and path of the school.

Mexico City, Mexico – September 2024 – At the end of September, Fr Ignacio Ocampo Uribe, Superior of the Mexico-Mexico Province (MEM), accompanied by Fr José Antonio Hernández Valdez, SDB, Head of the Vocational Training Centres in the Tláhuac and Tlalpan area, Fr Davide Tonini, local parish priest, and Fr Carlos Barbosa Castillo, Director of the Central American Institute (ICA), led a programme of activities that formally opened and launched the new Salesian-Tlapan ‘San José Obrero’ Vocational Training Centre. More than 80 guests from different Salesian houses in the metropolitan area attended the presentation of the project, the delivery of awards to those who have already completed some training standards, the message of the Provincial, the blessing of the structures, the cutting of the ribbon; there were also some tasting lessons, tasting gastronomic products made at the VTC and a gala concert offered by the "Río Sabina" string quartet. In the words of Fr Miguel Ángel Lezama Rojas, it was a "Day of hope and motivation to join forces on behalf of the young recipients of the project".

Dimapiur, India – October 2024 – The Association for Integrated Development in the Indian States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh (ANMA-AIDA), in collaboration with the National Career Services Centre for the Disabled of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and with several employment agencies, organised a job fair that took place at the AIDA Don Bosco Campus. The event was a great success, attracting almost 400 job seekers and six recruitment partners, for over 600 open positions. The fair was an essential platform to connect local talent with potential employers. Minister Moatoshi Longkumer, Counsellor for Labour and Employment, Skills Development and Entrepreneurship and the Nagaland Department of Excise, attended the fair as a main guest. In his speech he stressed the importance of skills development and employment for young people in the region and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunities offered. The entire event was coordinated by the Director of AIDA, Fr Roy George, and by Mr. Sebi Chacko, regional coordinator of the Don Bosco Job Placement Network, Dimapur.