SOUTH AFRICA – ADMA ASPIRANTS AT THE YOUTH SYNOD OF SALESIAN VICE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg, South Africa - September 2024 - From 29th August to 1st September, 300 young people from all Salesian presences of the Salesian Vice Province of South Africa (AFM) in South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini, accompanied by Salesians, educators, consecrated members of the Salesian Family, staff of the Project Office and Youth Ministry, had a wonderful experience at the ‘Ubuntu-Youth Synod’. Just two weeks after the closing of the ‘Youth Synod’ in Turin-Colle Don Bosco (11-16 August) with participants from all over the Salesian world, Salesian youth from AFM also experienced a similar event in their environment. This event was also a fusion of the ‘Laudato Si’ Movement, thanks to the AFM's ongoing “Eco Ubuntu” project (2023-2026) in all three countries of the Vice Province. Among the various group workshops, there were interactive sessions on green and environmental skills with university lectures. With the presence of all the Salesian Family groups of the Vice Province (SDB, FMA, MSMHC, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils of Don Bosco and ADMA aspirants), it was also a good opportunity for a vocation workshop, with round-table discussion and sharing of the vocation story from the respective Salesian Family groups. The theme of Salesian Mission Day 2024 - ‘Builders of dialogue’ - resonated in the Ubuntu-Youth Synod in many ways, especially through a workshop led by Clarence Watts, AFM Social Communication Delegate, and his staff.