This year's ENAS, created thanks to the networking of Salesian teams from Brazil and with the support and organisation of the Salesian Formation Centre (CSF), had the "Manifesto to young people: from Inspiration to Action" as its fundamental theme, recalling the document prepared by the participants in the national meeting of the Salesian Network of Brazil (RSB), held in August 2023 in the city of Aparecida (SP).
The ENAS event, which lasted two days, sought to mobilise members of Salesian Social Action in Brazil, as mechanisms for the development, integration and strengthening of Social Works and Presences, to respond to the imminent challenges of the current context.
Coordinated by the Executive Directors of the RSB, Sister Silvia Aparecida da Silva and Fr Sérgio Augusto Baldin Júnior, together with the National Coordinator of Salesian Social Action, Carolina Neves Oliveira, the Executive Coordinator of the RSB, Maria Dantas, and the Head of the RSB Formation Events, Ana Paula Costa e Silva, it was attended by representatives of the 10 Salesian Provinces of Brazil (six of the Salesians of Don Bosco and 4 of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) and several special guests, such as the Provincials in charge of Social Action, Sister Adriana Gomes and Fr Philippe Bauziére.
The first day, Wednesday 5th, was guided by the sub-theme "Embracing diversity, recognising the different forms of expression of young people", with a strong focus on the RSB National Meeting of 2023 and its Manifesto to Youth. Authoritative speakers illustrated various themes, with reports entitled: "The place of the adult: the Salesian educator as a reference point for children, adolescents and young people"; or "Youth protagonism as a typically Salesian expression and methodology: ideas for supporting and betting on the potential of young people to occupy leadership spaces"; or "The role of the Salesian educator in promoting and guaranteeing the rights of children, adolescents and young people".
The day ended with reflections on what was heard and a moment for the exchange of questions-answers between the public and speakers.
"Being a sacrament of presence in the ‘existential courtyards’, to understand young people from the place where they are and want to be" was the title of the first report of the second and last day, offered by Prof. Moisés Sbardelotto, who had also participated in the RSB national meeting of 2023. In his address the teacher brought important reflections on the theme of the digital courtyard, together with ideas for living and recovering the experience of the courtyard in its various manifestations, "where today's young people meet". Finally, the last formation session focused on how to promote the strengthening of the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents and young people.
The meeting concluded with a moment of fun and entertainment that also had a solidarity purpose, as the RSB's Fundraising Manager, Phelipe Sales, led a series of charity raffles and lotteries.
"ENAS 2024 was a significant experience, it helped us to grow charismatically in listening, in welcoming contemporary challenges, in looking carefully at realities, especially that of young people. As educators, we have been challenged to be at the side of young people, guiding and accompanying them in the various spaces in which they find themselves and helping them to trace a path of integral formation, aware that this process, lived with prominence on their part and supported by our presence and our accompaniment, will favor the transformation of the environments in which they are inserted, "said Sister Gomes.
"These were very rich, relevant and significant moments to help us respond in a renewed way to our Salesian charism today, to embody Don Bosco's Preventive System today. Thus, we had the opportunity to reflect on the presence among and with young people, on this‘ sacrament of presence ‘, on being a sign of God, on the adult/young person, educator/student relationship and on the protagonism of young people [...]. Without a doubt, he helped us educators to reflect, to build us more as Salesian educator" Fr Bauziére concluded.
