NEWS PHOTOS
Lawaan, Philippines – July 2024 - The 2024 summer camp at the Don Bosco formation centre (DBFC) in Lawaan was held at the beautiful Masbas Eco Bay Resort, on the island of Camotes, from 23 to 27 July. The event was attended by 21 young people (Salesian aspirants), 6 accompanying Salesians, 8 camp organizers and 2 DBFC support staff members. Inspired by the “Alta Petens theme (Seeking the Things Above): Taking bolder steps”, the camp had ripple effects on participants' lives, as it helped them embrace boldness, foster a spirit of courage in exploring faith and personal growth, and ignite their leadership potential.
Wasakentsa, Ecuador – July 2024 – More than 80 Achuar leaders, representing 11 communities in the region, met at the Salesian Mission in Wasakentsa to participate in the Achuar Youth Meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Ecuador. The event took place from 22 to 26 July under the motto "The dream that makes you dream", and in the spaces of the forum essential themes such as family, love, sexuality, education, culture, the good use of technology, communication, care for nature and God's project for every young person were addressed.
Kinshasa, DR Congo – July 2024 – The first International Youth Forum of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of the Africa Congo Congo (ACC) Vice-Province, the Province of Central Africa (AFC) and the St Joseph Delegation from East Africa conclude on Monday 29 July at the Institut de la Gombe in Kinshasa. The five intense days of exchanges, learning, fraternity and exercises of piety ended with the Eucharist presided over by Fr Aurélien Mukangwa, Superior of the ACC Vice-Province, in the presence of various Salesians from the two districts. In his homily, Fr Mukangwa, addressing the young people, said: "We are convinced that this forum has deeply touched your hearts, every heart in its state, in the spirit of conversion. This reassures us that this SYM forum has achieved its objectives"; moreover, the Salesian encouraged them to take advantage of the fruits of the forum, in particular friendship, social engagement and a sense of responsibility. The event highlighted the importance of faith and Salesian spirituality in the lives of young people.
San José, Costa Rica – July 2024 - In the heart of the Alajuelita district, in San José, CEDES Don Bosco became a flourishing of energy and enthusiasm on Saturday 27 July. Young people, formators and animators from all the Salesian presences in Costa Rica gathered for a day of formation and sharing on crucial issues for contemporary youth life. The meeting focused on "New courtyards and digital evangelisation". During the day, the positive aspects of the different environments in which children, adolescents and young adults live today were explored, as well as the impact of these on their lives. However, the presence of hidden dangers in the vast digital world has also been recognised, which can trap and make young people vulnerable. These risks include, among others, sexting, sextortion and cyberbullying. The day highlighted the importance of the presence of the Salesian educator, capable of navigating this digital world to guide, accompany and, from the same platforms, educate and evangelise young people. The formation event aimed to provide educators with tools and strategies to address these challenges and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital environment. The event not only strengthened the bonds between the participants, but also provided them with new perspectives and tools to continue in the mission of educating and evangelising in an increasingly digitised world.