(ANS - Gumbo) - Gunshots interrupted the childhood of hundreds of innocent and defenseless children. They remember the screams, the chaos, and the flight to an unknown destination. After 10 years, they still cannot return home. They live in a refugee camp in Gumbo. The young people talk about the civil wars in South Sudan, daily life in the camp, the school, and their dreams... The Salesians, who have always been committed to being the voice of the voiceless, made the documentary entitled "Interrupted Meal" to make their stories known, those of the refugee families and the work of the Salesians in Gumbo.
(ANS - Vienna) - The European Union's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) has released the full report of a survey on the experiences and situation of Ukrainian refugees who have found refuge in Europe. The survey collected voices and stories of some 14,685 people - mostly examining several areas: the journey from Ukraine and arrival abroad, legal aspects of being received in host countries, housing, education, employment, access to social services, health, and traumatic experiences. The rapid activation, for the first time in history, of the "Temporary Protection Directive" by the European Union has been a great help. However, practical difficulties remain.
(ANS - Goma) - Throughout the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, clashes continue and thousands of people are suffering from the fear of war and the absence of resources. The Salesians present in that region are active across the board to bring relief to the pressing needs of so many people: thanks also to the collaboration of Salesian NGOs such as the International Volunteer for Development (VIS) or Salesian Missions Offices such as "Salesian Missions" in New Rochelle, in the United States, they are taking care of the internally displaced people present in the Kanyaruchinya camp and in front of the Salesian works in Goma and Shasha.
(ANS - Goma) - Thousands of displaced people in eastern Congo are still in need of assistance. The situation remains critical, especially around Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. To seek safety, thousands more displaced people have settled on the grounds of the Salesian work "Don Bosco Shasha." The Salesians are doing their best for them, but they themselves need help.
(ANS - Kinshasa) - A few days have passed since Pope Francis' visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a trip that has renewed the Congolese Church and society by strengthening it in its desire for peace and progress. But the challenges to overcome are still all on the ground, especially in North Kivu Province, where, caught between war and violence, there are still thousands of people displaced and in need of everything, people to whom the Salesians are trying, with the means at their disposal, to provide answers and support.
(ANS - Vienna) - As part of the AMOS educational initiative, the Salesian refugee reception center "Don Bosco Sozialwerk" in Vienna has launched an initiative to offer German courses to Ukrainian refugee mothers together with their children. The offer is particularly aimed at Ukrainian mothers with children under the age of five who do not have adequate childcare places. The German course is free of charge for the participants.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Democratic Republic of Congo – Fr Owoudou on the situation in the eastern parts of the country: “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn will inevitably come”
(ANS - Goma) - During his latest phase of the Extraordinary Visit to the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region, conducted an interview with the magazine "JAMBO VIJANA," representing the youth engaged in the Salesian works of the Province's Eastern Delegation. Addressing the ongoing violence and conflicts in the region, Fr. Owoudou expressed hope, saying: "No matter the length of the night, dawn will inevitably come."
EDITORIAL
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“Speaking with the Heart”: A great Antidote for the Ills of today’s world
‘Revolutionize the world with your kindness, by speaking with your heart’, is the dream that Pope Francis envisions for humanity through his 57th World Communication Day message, that falls on this Ascension Sunday, 21st May 2023. ‘Speak with your heart in truth and charity’, and this is the best antidote that can cure the ills of today’s society.
EVENTS
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Italy – "Labs To Future": the final event of the "Labs To Learn" project in Valdocco
(ANS – Turin) – The final event of the "Labs to Learn" project was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, entitled "Labs To Future: The path – The results – The challenges" . The project was selected by the "Con i Bambini" social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty and came into being with the intention of combating early school leaving and preventing educational poverty, increasing the number of young people with difficulties who fulfil their school obligation, access higher education and/or job placement, and opening the way for personal growth according to their inclinations and aspirations.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Peru – Centenary of the High Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima
(ANS – Lima) – The centenary of the consecration of the high altar in the Crypt of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima was celebrated on 19 March, on the feast of St Joseph and in homage to Fr José Calasanz Marqués, then Provincial of the Salesians in Peru and Bolivia – now recognised as Blessed by the Church – on account of his name.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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DREAMS THAT KEEP COMING TRUE!
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
When reflecting on all this, I feel I have a little authority to say: “Dear Don Bosco, your Dream is still VERY ALIVE.”