NEWS PHOTOS
Lubumbashi, DR Congo – April 2024 – The Safina Cultural House in Lubumbashi run byt the Salesians of Don Bosco, in collaboration with the youth club, organised from 19 to 28 April the 14th edition of the School Theatre Festival with the acronym FETHESCO in French. The Safina Cultural House belongs to the Salesian work at Salama, and has as its vocation: the "Cultural and Christian Formation" of young people. Therefore, through the Festival, we want to promote Theatre Culture in schools, in order to respond to its primary mission as the work of Don Bosco. During this edition, students developed their play performances, focusing on the themes of "tribalism" and the "environment". These two themes have been chosen and proposed to respond to the difficulties that are occurring in the country in the hope that the actors and all participants will bring a message of peace in their respective schools and in their families. The festival was attended by 25 public and private schools from Kasumbalesa, Kipushi, Likasi and Lubumbashi, as well as five Salesian schools from Lubumbashi, while the jury comprised some professors from the University of Lubumbashi. Fr Tryphon Kalimira, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Central Africa (AFC) and Fr Jean Luc Vanderkhove, Rector of the Don Bosco University of Lubumbashi, presided over the final day.
Estoril, Portugal – April 2024 – 967 young athletes, 115 coaches divided into nine delegations representing the Salesian presences of the Province of Portugal (por), competed from 25 to 28 April in the six sports disciplines planned for the 28th edition of the Salesian National Games. Futsal, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, swimming and chess competitions were held under the Salesian values of friendship, sharing, mutual respect and fairness. In addition to the games, there were dance shows, music with 50 artists involved and moments of prayer. The event was made possible thanks to the work of 279 staff and volunteers, 32 referees, technical teams, families and sponsoring bodies. The National Salesian Games have been held every year in Portugal since 1992 with the aim of bringing together athletes and educational-pastoral communities in a family moment according to the Salesian style of educating and evangelising.
São Leopoldo, Brazil – April 2024 – The 22nd Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Province of Brazil-Porto Alegre (BPA) took place from 23-26 April at the Cristo Re di São Leopoldo Spirituality Centre. An essential event for the BPA Province, which brought together consecrated men and women and lay people committed to the Salesian mission, with the aim of tracing the path of the Salesian presences in the South of Brazil. During the days of the Chapter, participants were guided through moments of prayer, reflection, and deliberation. There was the election of moderators, formation on the topic, the Provincial’s report, collective work on the core areas and the election of the delegate to the GC29, Fr Sérgio Ramos, BPA Vice-Provincial. The culmination of the event was marked by the closing Mass, presided over by Fr Ademir Ricardo, BPA Provincial, and by the Religious Profession of Salesian Kleber Oliveira. The Provincial Chapter officially concluded, leaving the expectation that the decisions taken will contribute to the strengthening of the Salesian presence in the southern region of Brazil and the service to young people.
Quetta, Pakistan – May 2024 - The Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta has taken a courageous step towards environmental conservation, inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis and his call for the care of the planet outlined in his Encyclical Laudato Si'. Pakistan is among the top five Asian countries severely affected by climate change, as indicated by the Global Climate Risk Index. In light of this sad reality, the Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta has taken up the challenge, trying to instill a deep sense of responsibility and pride in protecting the environment through seminars and concrete actions. During March and April 2024, the entire community of the Don Bosco Learning Center, including teachers, students, former students and young people, gathered under the guidance of the rector, Fr Samuel Ghouri, SDB, to plant over 200 trees both inside the school compound and outside, marking a significant commitment in the fight against climate change and in the growth of a generation of environmental stewards. Particular attention was paid to the selection of tree species suitable for the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring their survival and maximising their environmental benefits. Each member of the Don Bosco community has committed not only to planting but also to cultivating these trees, becoming an advocate for ecological preservation.