Gambella, Ethiopia – October 2024 – As part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Ethiopia (1975-2025),  Don Bosco Gambella, belonging to the Africa Ethiopia Eritrea Vice-Province (AET), organised the start of the football competitions of the Jubilee Premier League - Don Bosco Gambella on Sunday 13 October. Various NGOs and government organisations in the city were invited to participate in the tournament and 12 teams signed up for the event. The opening match was between two of the city's leading NGOs, World Vision and ZOA and the launch ceremony was presided over by the President of the regional state of Gambella, Ms Alamitu Omod, and the Vice-President, Dr Gatlwak Ron. In her opening address, the President praised the Salesian presence in the region and recalled the contributions of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia. The event was attended by more than a thousand young people. The championship matches will continue for almost three months, ending near the feast of Don Bosco, next January. The event brought great enthusiasm to the city, thanks to the wide coverage on local media and social networks. On the occasion of the Jubilee Year, a small shrub was also planted and the President then visited the Salesian work.

Krakow, Poland – October 2024 – The first meeting of the volunteers of the Salesian Missionary Volunteering “Młodzi Światu” (SWM) took place on October 7. The event began with Mass during which everyone prayed for the volunteers and missionaries. Then, the participants moved to the Park “Villages of the World”, where an executive meeting was held regarding the current and future functioning of the SWM. Besides various speeches and sharing of experiences, there was also a moement for music, snacks and lively family atmosphere.

Palermo, Italy – October 2024 – On October 12, the official launch of the formation of groups for the new pastoral year took place at “Don Bosco – Ranchibile” in Palermo. It was a moment of celebration and joy that saw the participation of more than 150 teenagers and young people from the formative groups, along with Salesians and educators. The formative groups currently consist of five groups and include young people and adults (from middle school students to university students and workers). The celebration began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Oratory director, Fr. Alfredo Calderoni, and the greeting from the Rector Fr. Domenico Saraniti. Later, the young people gathered in the theater for a moment of celebration and formation. After welcoming dances, Marco and Federica, a young married couple and animators at Ranchibile, shared their missionary experience in Senegal and introduced two young Senegalese animators. Through films and photos, they recounted how the Oratory started in Senegal in collaboration with the “DonBosco 2000” Association. It is an Oratory that has had a special connection with Don Bosco Ranchibile, thanks to Cinzia Pennino, an animator and teacher who passed away in 2020. Cinzia brought her joy, cheerfulness, professionalism, and competence to those places where the Salesian charism was still little known, paving the way for the founding of the new Oratory in Senegal. Antonino Sella and Cinzia Vella, founders and parents of Cinzia Pennino were the Chief Guests of the evening, besides the two young Senegalese. The evening concluded with prayer and an invitation to be missionaries in everyday life.