Chennai, India - 2 July 2024 - With a significant result, the Don Bosco Vazhikaatti team from Chennai and Trichy has been recognised by the Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare (ADTW) of the Government of Tamil Nadu for its exceptional contribution in providing professional guidance to Adi Dravidar Welfare (ADW) students, in schools and boarding schools. The efforts of the Salesian institution had a positive impact on the awareness and career aspirations of over 30,000 students in 38 districts of the State. Ms. Lakshmipriya IAS, Secretary of ADTW, underlining the importance of initiatives for the improvement of marginalised communities, said: “The work of the ‘Don Bosco Vazhikaatti‘ team has made a significant difference in the lives of many students. Their guidance has opened new avenues for these students, enabling them to aspire to better outcomes.” Through his collaborative efforts with the ADTW Department of Tamil Nadu, Don Bosco Vazhikaatti has effectively reached a vast number of students, helping them to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional choices. The team's initiative is seen as a fundamental step towards improving the career prospects of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Araçatuba, Brazil – June 2024 - The ceremony to send 50 students from the Salesian Missionary Academic Volunteer Service (VAMS) to a mission in Mato Grosso took place in the chapel of the UniSALESIANO University Community Centre in Araçatuba on 27 June. The ceremony was presided over by the Rector of the Institution, Fr Paulo Vendrame, SDB, flanked by the Pro-Rector of Pastoral Care, Fr Paulo Jácomo, SDB. During the celebration Fr Vendrame imparted the blessing to the group and used words from the Gospel to encourage the journey. He also explained the meaning of the acronym of the VAMS project. "Volunteering emphasises the spirit of service and dedication; the Academic perspective directs students to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom. The Missionary dimension leads volunteers to an experience of Christian cultural and spiritual immersion, and the Salesian dimension refers to the identity of the project, in line with the values and pedagogy of Don Bosco." Now about 50 people from the VAMS group will visit the indigenous villages of Meruri (Boe-Bororo ethnic group) and São Marcos (Xavante ethnic group) for a week, until 8 July. During this period, volunteers will carry out various academic and cultural activities, with the aim of providing assistance and exchanging knowledge with indigenous communities. Fr Jácomo, member of the VAMS organising committee, stressed the importance of the project: "It is an opportunity for our students to apply their knowledge in a practical way, collaborating directly with local needs." “The VAMS mission reaffirms UniSALESIANO's commitment to social responsibility and the formation of professionals committed to the positive transformation of the communities they serve,” Fr Vendrame said.

Shillong, India – July 2024 – In a solemn ceremony, 22 clerics were ordained deacons on 1 July, during a Mass celebrated at the Sacred Heart Theologate in Mawlai. Bishop Joseph Aind, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, was the ordaining prelate. Present at the celebration was Fr John Zosiama, Superior of the Salesian Province of Shillong, India (INS), the Vice-Provincials of the provinces of Shillong, Guwahati and Dimapur, rectors, professors and confessors, students of theology and families of the ordinands.