Araçatuba, Brazil – June 2024 - The ceremony to send 50 students from the Salesian Missionary Academic Volunteer Service (VAMS) to a mission in Mato Grosso took place in the chapel of the UniSALESIANO University Community Centre in Araçatuba on 27 June. The ceremony was presided over by the Rector of the Institution, Fr Paulo Vendrame, SDB, flanked by the Pro-Rector of Pastoral Care, Fr Paulo Jácomo, SDB. During the celebration Fr Vendrame imparted the blessing to the group and used words from the Gospel to encourage the journey. He also explained the meaning of the acronym of the VAMS project. "Volunteering emphasises the spirit of service and dedication; the Academic perspective directs students to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom. The Missionary dimension leads volunteers to an experience of Christian cultural and spiritual immersion, and the Salesian dimension refers to the identity of the project, in line with the values and pedagogy of Don Bosco." Now about 50 people from the VAMS group will visit the indigenous villages of Meruri (Boe-Bororo ethnic group) and São Marcos (Xavante ethnic group) for a week, until 8 July. During this period, volunteers will carry out various academic and cultural activities, with the aim of providing assistance and exchanging knowledge with indigenous communities. Fr Jácomo, member of the VAMS organising committee, stressed the importance of the project: "It is an opportunity for our students to apply their knowledge in a practical way, collaborating directly with local needs." “The VAMS mission reaffirms UniSALESIANO's commitment to social responsibility and the formation of professionals committed to the positive transformation of the communities they serve,” Fr Vendrame said.