Mongolia – June 2024 - Members of the Hong Kong ADMA participated in a two-week exchange course between Hong Kong and Mongolia, organised by the Chaplaincy of the St. Francis University of Hong Kong and the Don Bosco School in Mongolia. Hong Kong students joined teachers from Mongolia's Don Bosco School to organise an English learning programme. Through interactive teaching sessions, summer camps, games and activities, students in Mongolia have an excellent opportunity to learn how to communicate in English. After a short period of settling in, students from Hong Kong and Mongolia formed a firm friendship. This was the first time that Hong Kong students have interacted with young Mongolians and they were deeply impressed by their enthusiasm and willingness to open up. About half of the participants were Social Service students. They also had the valuable opportunity to visit the charitable groups run by the Salesians, the House of Mercy run by the Mongolian diocese and the House of Charity in Darkhan. Fr Paul Leung, SDB, shared with them his vocation and his missionary work in Mongolia that he has been carrying out for 18 years. Although most of them are not Catholic, they have shown themselves to be very interested by asking numerous questions. Everyone was deeply moved by Fr Leung's dedication, which is rooted in his constant love for Jesus. The exchange program ended with a farewell celebration at Casa Don Bosco prepared in traditional Mongolian style. Students and professors from both sides greeted each other warmly by communicating in fluent English. The participants thanked Fr Leung for having had the opportunity during two weeks to experience love and friendship and to be able to speak in English.

Tonj, South Sudan - June 2024 - The students from the primary and secondary classes in Don Bosco Tonj" carried a spade and other agricultural tools in addition to pen and books. They did so as a way of facing the serious economic crisis that the country is going through with inflation of 300% on basic necessities, which is why it has become very difficult to eat at least two meals a day. During the rainy season, students took the initiative to grow various products for school meals. Work on the school farm is not an obstacle to regular attendance in classes. Every day, in the morning, before the school assembly at 7.30 am and the afternoon after class time at 3.00 pm, each in their respective houses has planned to devote a lot of time to sowing and caring for the land to get a better harvest. Similarly, young parishioners with the help of the Justice and Peace desk of the Catholic diocese of Rumbek, have also ventured into agriculture in addition to their work and study commitments. Young people have shown great resilience by finding a solution to the crisis through agricultural initiatives.

Tegucigalpa, June 2024 — A National Meeting of Salesian Works and Social Services took place on 7 June, bringing together 90 participants, including formators  nd teachers from the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Centre, and young people from the two works in Tegucigalpa. The day focused on reflection on "Faith and commitment" and on the practice of justice in the youth mission that animates the Salesian presence in the country. During the event, three fundamental workshops were developed that addressed crucial issues in the lives of privileged recipients: the use of social networks, gender equality and the phenomenon of migration. These workshops were supported by renowned collaborating institutions such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The awareness and information provided in these workshops have allowed participants to understand in depth issues that directly affect their lives, analysing the causes and consequences they have at a personal and community level. From the perspective of the Don Bosco Preventive System, an educational response was sought to effectively manage these problems. The Salesian mission is facing great challenges and the Salesians are called to accompany young people on their journey so that they can achieve their dreams. The event not only strengthened the commitment of the Salesian community towards young people, but also reinforced the importance of justice, equity and the responsible use of social networks in building a better future. The event ended with a renewed sense of purpose and a firm determination to continue working on the Salesian youth mission, facing challenges together and building a more just and equitable environment for all.