The meeting was organised and chaired by the GEX Regional for Africa and Madagascar, Joseph Ssemembo, who at the opening of the meeting stressed the advantages of becoming a member of the World Confederation and the importance of forming communication channels to stay in touch. When opening the meeting, Mr. Joseph Ssemambo highlighted the advantages of becoming members to the World Confederation and the formation of communication channels to stay connected, we need to form communication channels that keep us in touch and an update on what we are doing. Mr. Ssemambo stated “It is important that we carry out activities that give the young an opportunity to actively participate in our organisation”.
Each representative then had the opportunity to speak during the meeting and to illustrate the activities carried out in their respective countries.
The meeting also involved Bryan Magro, President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils, who highlighted the importance of this moment. “Today’s meeting is a historic moment for the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco as the first online GEX meeting for Africa has taken place. We cannot have a World Confederation without Africa. Africa is one of the four regions of the World Confederation, and the active participation of all African countries where we have the presence of the Salesian Family is crucial. Strengthening the presence GEX in all levels of governance is one of the priorities of the Strategic Plan and during the last year, we have worked to establish our organisation in various African countries and today’s meeting is a sign of the commitment in involving young people to actively participate in our organisation.”
Balthazar Maniratunga, Regional Councillor for Africa of the Confederation of Past Pupils, also spoke at the meeting, providing details on "AfroBosco", the regional meeting of Past Pupils to be held in Madagascar next December.
Finally, the young people stressed the need for leadership training, which provides GEX representatives with the necessary skills to become better leaders.
