NEWS PHOTOS
Shillong, India – September 2024 - On 3 September, the Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS) hosted the first "2024 Trade Expo" in Shillong State. The event, held at the State Central Library, was supported by the Children's Network (NGO) Germany, and presented equipment and products from the graduates of the Don Bosco Technical School (DBTs) and two other Don Bosco vocational schools in Jowai and Nongstoin. The expo was opened at the Soso Tham Auditorium by Ms Santa Mary Shylla, from the constituency of Sutnga, who highlighted government programmes in support of youth entrepreneurship. Fr James Thyrniang, SDB, Executive Director of BIDS, highlighted the organisation's role in growing vocational school graduates into successful entrepreneurs. The event provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and express gratitude for the opportunity offered by BIDS. The expo represents an important step in helping young people to put their skills to use for economic progress.
Kinshasa, DR Congo – August 2024 – On 31 August in Kinshasa at the headquarters of the Salesian Vice-Province of Africa Congo Congo (ACC), Fr Aurélien Mukangwa, Superior of the ACC Vice-Province, presided over the sending on mission of two Salesians, Henri Mufele and Guy Roger Mutombo.
San Luis, Argentina – September 2024 - The Don Bosco Salesian house in San Luis presented the Don Bosco Creativo project, a space to accompany boys, girls, adolescents and young people from all over the city through art. With special attention to those who are in a vulnerable situation. The project aims to promote learning, artistic expression and the integral growth of the participants through various artistic activities and workshops. Don Bosco Creativo offers a safe, inclusive and stimulating space where more than 90 boys, girls, adolescents and young people can develop their talents, skills and potential with a Salesian imprint. The project, which began two months ago with only three workshops, currently has nine proposals that are developed weekly: painting workshop, computer/content creation laboratory, folklore, singing, magic, drawing, guitar, reading and support for logical thinking. Recently the project has begun to expand in the different districts of the city together with the Salesian oratories. Hernan Gonzalez, representative of the space, said: "In the ‘Don Bosco Creativo’, we are proud to be a space where boys and girls from the entire community, from different schools, meet to develop their talents. These types of initiatives encourage us to follow the path of Don Bosco, always looking for a way to get in touch with young people according to their interests; offering them alternatives that amuse them, excite them and bring them closer to God."
Twardogóra, Poland – August 2024 – Towards the end of August, 30 leaders of the youth ministry in the Salesian Province of Wrocław , Poland (PLO) met in Twardogóra, the spiritual heart of the Province, to define together the guidelines for working with young people. After the initial prayer, Fr Mikołaj Wyczalek, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, planned the pastoral activities based on this year's motto "Mission of Hope", referring to the anniversary of the sending of the first Salesian missionaries to Patagonia and the Jubilee Year in the Universal Church. After a brief presentation of the calendar, Fr Thomas Sage, SDB, gave a conference on spiritual abuse. In fact, one of the objectives of this meeting was to draw attention to the healthy and professional conduct of people in spiritual direction, in confession and in ordinary dialogue with students, especially with minors. The conference also referred to the Kamilek Law, introduced in Poland in July 2023, for the protection of minors. Furthermore, it was emphasised how important it is for those in charge of Salesian oratories to continue to make them a safe place for young people, constantly referring to the regulations for the protection of minors in force in the Salesian Province of Wrocław from 2019. In the evening Fr Bartłomiej Polański, SDB, Superior of the PLO Province, addressed his message to the participants. The next day began with the Eucharist at the Salesian Shrine of Mary Help of Christians celebrated by Fr Polański and then continued with the deepening and discussion of other issues.