(ANS – Bruxelles) – More than 250 non-governmental organizations from across Europe have released an alternative vision for a more democratic, just and sustainable Europe today, June 20, 2017. Intended to influence the debate on the future direction of Europe, this alternative vision is endorsed by organisations representing a multitude of public interest issues, including labour rights, culture, development, environment, health, women’s rights, youth, and anti-discrimination groups.

(ANS - Rome) - In 2016, 25,846 unaccompanied minors landed in Italy: 1 migrant in 6 was a minor traveling alone. For their part, the Salesians with the SCS - Salesian Social Federation - have activated 12 services for 207 unaccompanied minors, 6 services for the reception of refugees, which have reached 262 people. In addition, there were 14 Italian language training services for 677 beneficiaries and 4 services for job placement projects for 96 people.

(ANS - San Salvador) - El Salvador's "Universidad Don Bosco", faithful to its spirit of social engagement and professional and productive development, fosters programs for the inclusion of women in the fields of technology and science, such as the Program for Women In Science and Engineering (WISE Program). During the month of June, the University's academic authorities and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) inaugurated the "Science Girl Camp" science camp for 2017.

(ANS - Bologna) - From 18 to 22 June, scholars from Europe and around the globe shall meet in Bologna for "#ExNihilo, the 'zero conference' on research in the religious fields" promoted by the European Academy of Religion. On Monday, 19 June, Fr Francesco Motto, SDB, President of the Association of Salesian Historians (ACSSA) will present a lecture entitled "Surviving and growing in difficult times: the Salesian Educative Mission in Europe in the First Half of the Twentieth Century.”

(ANS - Valencia) - The Spanish Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco begins its second century of life with the aim of opening itself up to volunteer work and sharing the Salesian mission.

(ANS - Rome) - The Superiors of seven Salesian Vice-Provinces and Provinces from 4 Regions (Africa-Madagascar, East Asia-Oceania, South Asia and Interamerica) are heading to the General Salesian House in Rome in the next few days for the usual training course reserved for newly-appointed Provincials. Attending the meeting, from 11 to 24 June: Don Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, members of the General Council, with the teams of various Dicasteres and Salesians responsible for a number of sectors.

(ANS - Sao Paulo) - In the final days of May, the Provincial of Brazil São Paulo (BSP) celebrated the expansion and improvement of various facilities of the Salesian University Center (UNISAL), which will benefit both the students of the center and the local population.

(ANS – Fatima) – Hundreds of pilgrims of the Salesian Family (SF), gathered as per tradition at the Marian Sanctuary of Fatima, together with the boys and girls of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM/MGS) who are meeting there to celebrate their National Day. This year the celebration was lived with even more participation than usual because of the centenary of the apparitions.

(ANS - Parañaque City) - A three-week Salesianity seminar was held between April and May in the Philippines, in Parañaque City; it is the first part of a three-year course that will be developed until 2019 under the themes such as History, Pedagogy and Spirituality. The purpose of the course, open to the participants throughout the Salesian region of East Asia-Oceania, was to produce a concrete document to be used to improve the initial training of the Salesians.