Tunisia – October 2024 – From 16 to 19 October, a mission visit took place to the Salesian presences in Tunisia, included in the possibilities offered by the Italian Government's "Mattei Plan". Fr Luca Barone from Salesian Headquarters in Rome, who since February of this year has been a delegate of the Rector Major as a member of the governmental board of directors of the Mattei Plan, and Fr Pietro Bianchi, a member of the Technical Commission that the Congregation has established on the subject, were able to visit the Don Bosco presences in Tunis and Manouba. There they met the Superior of the St Augustine Special Circumscription of North Africa (CNA), Fr Domenico Paternò, and the Salesians who live and work there. These were days of meetings and study of the local sitution thanks to the involvement of the fledgling Planning and Development Office (PDO) and the working group started at the Italian Embassy in Tunis with the Ambassador himself, the Consul and their collaborators. The meeting held with the Archbishop of Tunis, Archbishop Nicolas Lhernould was very enriching, during which the Church, religious and youth situation of the country was explored. There were also moments of fraternity and exchange with the Salesians and with the local community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The aim is to provide an increasingly concrete and effective educational service to young Tunisians who love Don Bosco and appreciate the work of the Salesians, who have been in the country for many years.

Anisakan, Myanmar – October 2024 – Salesian missionaries in Myanmar had the financial support for improvements and maintenance for a pre-novitiate house thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With the funding, structural maintenance for the roof was completed. To help aid quality education for the young men, Salesians purchased textbooks, computers, laptops and school uniforms. Salesians also purchased kitchen materials and provided beds. A Salesian said, “We are grateful for the support donors from Salesian Missions provided. It enabled us to make the necessary repairs and maintenance for the roof of the house and improve the conditions for the young men who are studying with us. We are all appreciative of the impact this donation has had for us.”

Lubumbashi, DR Congo – October 2024 – The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) officially opened the activities of the Youth Ministry in the Central Africa Province (CFA) on 20 October. The event took place with the theme "Like Mary, anchored to hope, young people act for a better environment", and brought together more than three thousand young people from various Salesian works. The programme included two conferences on caring for the environment, the Mass presided over by Fr Tryphon Kalimira, Vice-Provincial of the AFC, and various recreational and sports activities. The final blessing was given by Fr Jonas Yav, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry.