Quito, Ecuador - November 2024 - From 26 to 28 November, the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) in Quito hosted the 6th Salesian Educational Congress, a major academic event that brought together leading academics, researchers, teachers and students to reflect and discuss on three fundamental pillars: prevention, interculturalism and social transformation. The event was developed in a hybrid format, bringing together almost 450 people, combining face-to-face presentations on the university campus with the participation of international speakers through virtual platforms. During the three days, participants took part in lectures, panel discussions and book presentations that addressed topics such as inclusive education, strengthening the Salesian preventive system, promoting intercultural dialogue and the role of educational institutions in digital transformation. In his welcome address, Fr Juan Cárdenas Tapia, Rector of UPS, emphasised that ‘this congress represents an invaluable opportunity to build shared knowledge and reaffirm our commitment to transformative education that embraces cultural diversity, technological innovation and integral formation’. The Congress was attended by renowned experts such as Fr Michal Vojtáš, SDB, an expert in educational planning and leadership at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome; Dr Carmen Luiza da Silva, Rector of UniSales - Salesian University Centre, Brazil; and Dr Gabriela Czarny, lecturer at the National Pedagogical University, Mexico. In their lectures, they emphasised the need to re-imagine education to address current social challenges, such as new technologies in education, pedagogical projects and intercultural education. In addition, some 50 researches conducted in Salesian education were presented, highlighting pedagogical innovation initiatives and projects that integrate technology, values and community commitment.

Madrid, Spain - December 2024 - The Don Bosco House in Madrid brought together 47 Salesian leaders and companions from all over Spain this weekend. During two intense days, they acquired tools to accompany young people in their emotional and affective development, strengthening their commitment to the integral well-being of children and adolescents. The formation meeting started on Saturday morning, 30 November, and ended on Sunday 1 December at noon. At the Don Bosco House in Madrid, 47 leaders from Salesian youth centres shared their knowledge on mental health and affective-sexual education, two essential pillars for the integral development of young people. The formation in affective-sexual education offered by the Don Bosco Confederation stood out for its comprehensive approach, covering biological, socio-cultural and pedagogical aspects to prepare leaders to accompany children and adolescents. The Magone Psychological Assistance Team, led by coordinator Aurora Martín, explored the topic of mental health with a preventive approach. Through a practical workshop, the participants tried to recognise the signs of crisis in young people, to promote active listening spaces and to use protective tools for educators. The Don Bosco Preventive System was the theme running through all these issues, integrating reason, religion and love in the promotion of emotional well-being. With these initiatives, the Don Bosco Confederation strengthens its commitment to the integral development of young people, adapting to current needs and building safe spaces to grow and learn.

Warsaw, Poland - November 2024 - With the participation of around 80 people, mainly representing men's and women's religious congregations, including some Salesians (SDB) and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) from Polish provinces, the 20th edition of ‘Media Formation’ took place from 26 to 28 November in Warsaw. This edition focused on the theme: ‘Artificial Intelligence, Intelligence, Social Media and Crisis Communication’. The meeting aimed at spokespersons of congregations was led by the former spokesman of the Polish Bishops' Conference (KEP), Fr Józef Kloch. The programme included daily lectures by various specialists in the field: ‘How not to make communication mistakes in crisis situations and how to react?’, by Zbigniew Nosowski; ‘How do you get television interested in the Church? ', by Małgorzata Ziętkiewicz; “Canva is not just for creative people”, by Karolina Podlewska; ’Preparing for a crisis interview: Body language and gestures', by Karol Gnat; “Social media in a church institution”, by Paulina Worożbit; “Video production series using Artificial Intelligence for You Tube”, by Radosław Więcławek OP and Katarzyna Gilewska; ‘Crisis resolution from the perspective of a TVP correspondent in the UK’, by Dariusz Bohatkiewicz; ‘Open Conserve - Interview with a hostile journalist’, by Krzysztof Ziemiec. Masses and informal meetings were not lacking during the days.