Tonj, South Sudan – July 2024 – In each academic semester Don Bosco Tonj Secondary School reserves a day for social service; therefore, on 19 July, despite the rain, students exercised their eco-responsibility to clean the city of Tonj. Fr Peter Kariuki, SDB, Principal, said: “It is both a service and an education for students. This initiative is an invitation and a wake-up call to people to keep the environment clean and green. And when we take care of Mother Earth, she blesses us with everything we need for our livelihood.” The students went in groups to clean the premises of the Tonj Civil Hospital and the John Lee Memorial Hospital, in addition to the market and the city square. Tonj residents and government officials appreciated the school's leadership for instilling a love of the environment in the minds of young people. Students in general follow holistic training at the Don Bosco School in the world's youngest country. And it is one of the primary needs to keep it clean and green with large-scale reforestation to make it favorable to all inhabitants.

La Paz, Bolivia – July 2024 - The National Leaders School 2024 has concluded successfully, after five intense days of formation, workshops and participatory dynamics. More than 170 young leaders from different Salesian works in Bolivia, gathered at the Don Bosco Fátima retreat house to share experiences and acquire new knowledge. The workshops dealt with a series of crucial issues for youth development and leadership, including the Preventive System, evangelisation through social networks and the creation of ecological leadership projects, inspired by the encyclical Laudato si'. The participants had the opportunity to interact with experts and facilitators in each area, who encouraged them to apply what they learned in their work. The event culminated with a significant ceremony presided over by Fr Henry Córdova, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry. During the sending Mass, Fr Córdova urged young people to reaffirm their vocation to service and to be bearers of hope and positive change as Salesian leaders. As a symbolic gesture, each young person was given a candle which represents the light that is called to be in their works and in society. The National Leadership School has not only provided practical tools for youth leadership, but has also strengthened teamwork, fostering a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. It is expected that the fruits of this experience will be reflected in the promotion of youth initiatives that contribute to the pastoral development of their works.

Jakarta, Indonesia – July 2024 – On 18 July on the occasion of the monthly Online Meeting of Economers in the Salesian Vice-Province of Indonesia (INA), Fr Boedirahardjo Soerjonoto, Economer of the Vice-Province, invited Fr M.C. George Menamparampil to participate. The seven economers from different Salesian communities in Indonesia benefited greatly from his intervention. Fr Menamparampil founded BOSCONET which focuses on fundraising by generous-hearted Indians to support marginalised communities served by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Salesian Provinces in India operate more than 300 schools, 52 colleges and 123 vocational and technical education institutions. Fr Menamparampil stressed the importance of awareness of the great tasks of the economers in managing what has been given by the Lord through generous Salesian Benefactors. He also spoke of the changes in the world economic situation that have led to the loss of aid from abroad and the need for each Province to become self-sufficient as soon as possible.