El Houssoun, Lebanon – July 2024 - The installation ceremony for the new Superior of the Jesus the Adolescent Province of the Middle East (MOR), Fr Simon Zakerian, was held on the evening of Saturday, 6 July in the Salesian house in El Houssoun, Lebanon. The ceremony was presided over by Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, representing the Rector Major. The Salesian Family in Lebanon was mobilised for the occasion, with a large representation from the Salesian houses in Syria: Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, collaborators, animators, young people and friends of Don Bosco. All this in spiritual communion with the other communities of the MOR Province (Egypt, Holy Land), which for various reasons (travel, borders, difficulties in the area) could not participate. Everyone surrounded Fr Alejandro José León, formerly MOR Provincial, and Fr Simon Zakerian with affection. Fr Godoy thanked Fr León for his service of animation and governance of MOR Province in times of special difficulty, and wished the new Provincial Fr Zakerian the opportunity  to be a centre of fraternal unity to continue the Christian and Salesian witness in the wounded Middle East.     The highlights of the rite, during the Eucharistic celebration, were the reading of the decree of appointment, the homily, the profession of faith and the signing of the document of acceptance, Fr León's words of thanks and those of trust and encouragement from Fr Zakerian for a future of hope. The rite ended with the blessing of Mary Help of Christians and was followed by a moment of conviviality and Salesian celebration outdoors, in an atmosphere of spontaneity and joy.

Cebu, Philippines - June 2024 - The Knights of the Altar Camp "KOA CAMP 2024", (Knights of the Altar Camp, in English), held over two days from 29 to 30 June 2024, at the "Don Bosco" Formation Centre, provided a unique opportunity for the young participants to grow as responsible leaders while strengthening their faith. This created an environment for personal and team development. During the days, participants were able to attend various talks on the life of Don Bosco, the meaning of the KOA CAMP, focusing on putting Christ at the centre of one's life, building brotherhood, and serving others with mind and heart. Those present engaged in group sharing sessions, reflecting on how to serve God and positively influence others, and played various activities and games on teamwork and leadership.

Shillong, India – July 2024 – The grand finale of the "Sur Kynud Niam, Season-2" Khasi Religious Song Competition was held on July 3, 2024 at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, India, featuring 47 initial contestants with 10 finalists competing for the top honors. Kit Kupar Nongsiej emerged victorious, claiming the first prize of ₹35,000, while Franky Nongbri secured second place with ₹15,000 and Tia Vanezza Kurbah took home ₹5,000 for third place. The event was graced by Ronnie Wahlang, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, who commended the participants for their outstanding performances and encouraged youth to cultivate their talents further. Rev Fr Michael Makri, the Director of Don Bosco Youth Centre and Managing Director of the dbmnTv channel, was applauded for his dedication in nurturing the talents of young people and elevating the centre to international standards, with the purpose of the program being to engage youth in positive activities, steer them away from societal evils, and provide a platform to showcase their musical talents. The event concluded with celebrations and accolades, marking a significant milestone in promoting musical talent among the youth of Meghalaya.

Trieste, Italy - July 2024 - The 50th edition of the Social Weeks of Catholics in Italy is underway in Trieste. "Salesiani per il sociale APS" is among the official exhibitors of the national event and until Sunday 7 July is present at the event with a pavilion set up in the central Piazza Sant'Antonio, inside the "Village of good practices". The aim is to let visitors discover the projects and activities that ‘Salesiani per il Sociale APS’ carries out in Italy to protect the minors most at risk of marginalization. The Social Week is a periodic appointment, where Catholics active in Italy in all spheres of society meet to compare their experiences, share their perspectives and coordinate their activities, launching common actions and proposals for change for the future of the country.

Yapacaní, Bolivia - July 2024 - During the first week of July, in the middle of winter, more than 50 young people from La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz meet to give life to missionary volunteer work. In this free, supportive and unpaid mission, they joined forces to clean and renovate the chapel in Santa Veracruz. Furthermore, in the afternoon, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), in the style of Don Bosco, dedicated their time to bringing the proclamation of Christ Jesus in the oratory and catechism with the children and young people of Yapacaní. And at the end of the day, with the intention of learning and getting to know the Salesian spirit better, through a formative process, the volunteers were trained on the themes of leadership, evangelisation and salesianity. This process was coordinated by the Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Henry Córdova, SDB, together with the team of Delegates for the Salesian Youth Movement.

Eeklo, Belgium - July 2024 - Towards the end of June, during its General Assembly, the Salesian youth association "Youth Aid Don Bosco Flanders" of the North Belgium and Holland Province (BEN) presented a new environment in which the Salesian reception, orientation and observation centres "OBC De Waai" and "OOOC De Bries - Jeugdhulp Don Bosco" can carry out therapeutic work with animals. Some of the stables have been completely renovated, an experience trail called "Paddock Paradise" has been opened and the gardens have been arranged so that the young people can carry out outdoor activities in close contact with nature. Thanks to this new project, it will be possible to work together with animals, a type of activity that is particularly useful for vulnerable young people and their families. Young people learn to interact with different species, learning that each one has different needs, inclinations, characteristics and properties. Contact with animals, especially horses and donkeys, promotes not only physical well-being, but also has significant positive effects on the mental and emotional well-being of young people.