Venice, Italy – 2 April 2017 – There were 12,000 participants in the traditional charity walk "Up and Down the Bridges", founded by the Salesian Fr Dino Berti. They walked the streets and squares of Venice with their thoughts on the Salesian mission in Damascus, Syria, as part of their humanitarian project of 2017.
Washington, United States - March 2017 - On 29 March, at the State Department, the First Lady Melania Trump and Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, conferred the International Women-Of-Courage Award, This award is given to Courageous Women who carry out their mission in poor areas or lands where there are special dangers for people. Among the 13 women who have received the award is Sr Carolin Tahhan Fachakh,FMA, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Director of the Damascus community in Syria. She is the only sister to date to receive this award. Carolin Tahhan is Syrian. She has worked tirelessly to support the needs of the most vulnerable people of Syria, in particular refugees and children. During the intense bombardments around the neighbourhood school, Sr Carolin always ensured the safety of children, giving hope to all, Muslims and Christians, even risking her life. Sister Carolin continues with her community, in the midst of war and destruction, to welcome children and women to ensure their peace of mind and a bit 'of normality.
Manila, Philippines – 2 April 2017 - On the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the birth of St Dominic Savio, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints and worldwide spiritual animator of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), met with young people from ADMA of the San Ildefonso parish at Makati-Manila. The previous day Fr Cameroni had met the ADMA groups in the area of Manila and the National Council in the Philippines.
Cochabamba, Bolivia - April 2017 - The Team Visit to the Inter-America Region, chaired by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, ended on 1 April.
Cuenca, Ecuador - March 2017 - From 17 to 19 March a meeting of the National Salesian Youth Movement Council (MGS) took place, with the participation of 56 people including managers, animators and motion coordinators, with delegates from the various groups associated. It was led by Fr Wladimir Acosta, Delegate for Salesian Youth Ministry.
UN - March 2017 – On Wednesday 15 March seven students of the Don Bosco College of Borgomanero landed at JFK Airport in New York City, ready to undertake the simulation work at the United Nations, organized by the Young Diplomats. The work was an opportunity for everyone to understand whether the diplomatic career could really be the right path for their future. In addition, the context allowed them to spend some time, even outside of work with young people from all over the world, sharing the main reason why each young person has decided to leave.