Turin, Italy – August 2024 – On the evening of Wednesday, 7 August, all 27 Salesian prenovices from Salesian Provinces in Europe met in Valdocco, Turin to begin a formation course in three days time on Salesian places and to promote mutual knowledge on the eve of the beginning of their novitiate in September. The Salesian contributions were led by Fr Enrico Lupano, from the Colle Don Bosco community. The prenovices came from: Austria (1); North Africa Circumscription (1); Croatia (10); Piedmont and Valle d 'Aosta Special Circumscription (1); Italy-Lombard Emiliana (2); Northeast Italy (3); Poland-Warsaw (1); Poland-Piła (2); Slovakia (3); Slovenia (2); Greek-Catholic Ukraine (1). The young people who will enter the novitiate at Colle Don Bosco have experienced a 6-week Italian language course. As a further phase of this preparation for the novitiate, the involvement of the prenovices in the Salesian Youth Synod (11-16 August 2024) on the occasion of the Bicentennial of Don Bosco's Dream at Nine Years of Age is also included. The animation of these different periods was coordinated by Fr Guido Errico, from the Formation Sector.

Copacabana, Colombia - August 2024 - The 2nd Meeting on Human Rights took place from 4 to 6 August in Copacabana, in the Department of Antioquia, promoted and organised by the Medellín Province, Colombia. The event, which brought together local representatives of Salesian works including from the Bogotá Province, reaffirmed the Salesian community's commitment to the defence and promotion of human rights. This year's event was characterised by the adoption of the "Learning by Doing" methodology, a practical approach that allowed everyone to effectively address the actions necessary for the implementation of the Provincial Policy on Human Rights, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination. During the three-day event, various activities, workshops and debates took place that fostered an active and collaborative learning space. Participants committed themselves to mobilising concrete actions to promote and protect the rights of children and adolescents, as well as those of other beneficiaries and collaborators of the Salesian mission.

Dalaguete, the Philippines – August 2024 – The aspiring leaders of Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC) in Lawaan embraced the challenge of participating in the leaders' camp entitled “Camp Tagubtub,” which recalls the role of leading and guiding others as the heartbeat of the community. This camp aims to shape us into effective leaders and represents our leadership within the youth center. The camp took place at The Don Bosco Retreat House in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, spanning an amazing 4-day event from 1-4 August. The journey began with a lengthy session discussing leadership and how to enhance and develop leadership skills. Points were awarded to each group for flawlessly completing the tasks and activities given, as well as meeting all the requirements as instructed. Over the following days, the campers engaged in various activities and games. As part of the daily routine, morning Rosary walks and evening Masses were regularly held, and teams were assigned different chores to perform efficiently and effectively. On the final day, the election for core group and sodality president positions was conducted. This process aimed to select leaders who would guide and represent their respective groups effectively. Before departing, Fr Vince Michael Sabal, SDB, DBYC-Lawaan Youth Director, led everyone on a hike to explore Osmeña Peak, Cebu's highest mountain. Camp Tagubtub concluded with the presentation of specific awards and certificates of appreciation to leaders and campers.