Lawaan, Philippines – July 2024 - The Don Bosco Formation Center in Lawaan, in collaboration with the Don Bosco TVET Center Balamban has organised a training  session on summer skills that was held at the DBFC Lawaan from 15 to 20 July. The Rector of Don Bosco Balamban, Fr Brian Butanas, SDB, together with other facilitators, provided training on skills to the aspirants and some of the youth leaders at DBYC-Lawaan. The skills learned included basic welding, electrical installation and maintenance, and basic driving for light vehicles. This summer skills training, with the theme “Alta Petens: Taking bolder steps”, has been designed to give participants confidence and competence in various technical fields. Through hands-on activities, expert guidance from facilitators and a supportive community, participants were motivated to take courageous initiatives and develop a proactive approach to continue the mission of Don Bosco for young people.

Guayaquil, Ecuador – July 2024 - The 10th  International Congress of Science, Technology and Innovation for Society (CITIS 2024), which took place at the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) headquarters in Guayaquil, brought together more than 1,000 participants, including exhibitors, teachers, students and guests. The event offered a wide variety of activities, including workshops, conferences, a technological innovation fair and technical sessions, highlighting the commitment of participants to a more sustainable future. CITIS 2024, recognised nationally and internationally for its relevance and contribution to scientific development, aims to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences among participants. This year the congress focused on key themes such as sustainability and the environment; information and telecommunications; industry and mobility focus on the new technological trends that are transforming and improving each of these sectors. In his welcome address, Fr Juan Cárdenas, SDB, Rector of UPS, said that "in the last 10 years, like UPS, this academic space seeks to offer a set of alternatives according to the changing needs of society." In addition, "I invite you to dream and imagine global solutions to the social problems of engineering, articulated with other areas of knowledge. Let's imagine together not only a new Ecuador but a new World. Faithful to the principle ‘if we do not live to serve, we are not useful for living…’”. The general event was attended by renowned international experts who shared their research and experiences. In addition, teachers and student researchers gathered at the event to socialise their work in different areas of engineering through lectures and poster presentations.

Caracas, Venezuela – July 2024 - Salesians in Venezuela's Saint Luke Province are experiencing a profound moment of spiritual renewal. Led by Fr Gustavo Cavagnari, SDB, eminent professor of the Pontifical Salesian University, they are experiencing spiritual exercises focused on the profile of the Salesian. Fr Cavagnari, with his extensive experience and knowledge of Salesian spirituality, guides religious on a path of inner growth, helping them to discover the presence of God in their daily lives and to renew their commitment to the Salesian mission. The annual retreat is a tradition rooted in the Salesian Family. These retreats allow religious to return to the origins of their vocation and recover the deep meaning of their consecration. Key points to highlight: Profile of the Salesian: The spiritual exercises focus on the profile of the Salesian, inviting the participants to reflect on their personal qualities and their mission in the Church; Spirituality for life: Meditation, contemplation and discernment are fundamental tools for a deep and lasting spiritual life; Renewal of commitment: The spiritual exercises are an opportunity to renew the commitment to the Salesian mission and to find new ways of serving young people.