Today, the Vice Province has 14 Salesian communities engaged in a wide range of apostolic activities focused primarily on serving the poorest youth.

Among these communities, two are dedicated specifically to formation: the “Saint Francis de Sales” Novitiate in Bouar (Central African Republic) and the “Saint Augustine” Theologate in Yaoundé (Cameroon). There is also a Specific Formation Community for Salesian Brothers, which shares space with the Provincial House, and a community with a pre-novitiate in Ebolowa (Cameroon).

The main pastoral activities include vocational training for youth, primary and secondary schools, technical education, boarding houses and hostels, health clinics, radio stations, parishes, youth centers, and more recently, a home for children in vulnerable situations.

The sociocultural context in which the Salesians of ATE operate is diverse and complex, presenting both significant challenges and valuable opportunities. The population is predominantly young, with about 70% under the age of 30. The Salesians are known for their generosity and dedication, and their apostolic work is widely appreciated. They are held in high regard by both the local Churches and civil authorities.

The major challenges facing the Vice Province include strengthening the sense of community in the mission, deepening understanding of the Salesian Pastoral Framework, ensuring economic sustainability, prioritizing service to the poor and accompanying young people, as well as increasing the number and quality of vocations. There’s also the challenge of supporting the formation of young religious, many of whom are still in their early stages of training.

The countries in the Vice Province, though to varying degrees, are grappling with issues such as peacebuilding, socio-political stability, education, vocational training, youth employment, healthcare, and cultural integration. Three countries—Central African Republic, Chad, and Gabon—have experienced the horrors of war, while the other two—Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea—are in fragile states of stability. In this context, the Salesian presence is often called upon by dioceses to respond urgently to the needs and expectations of youth.

The current priorities for ATE include strengthening the cultural roots of the Salesian charism, reaching out to the poorest youth and new mission frontiers, promoting fraternity and a return to God, advancing vocational training and youth accompaniment, and managing the logistical challenges posed by the vast distances between communities.

With 131 Salesians, including 44 in initial formation or specialized studies, the ATE Vice Province looks to the future with hope. Young people remain at the heart of the mission, and the Salesians across the region bring a distinctively African spirit to Don Bosco’s charism.

A short video about the Salesian presence in the ATE Vice Province is available on ANSChannel for those interested in learning more.

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