(ANS – Sliema) – Almost 200 leaders and animators from the Malta Vice Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco gathered for a special send-off as they prepare to dedicate their time and energy to summer activities taking place across the various oratories and communities, as well as to volunteer missionary experiences abroad.

Every year, many young people generously offer their time as volunteers, accompanying children and young people through activities, camps, formation programs, and other initiatives. However, this year marked a significant first: for the first time, almost 200 leaders and animators came together as one provincial family to celebrate their commitment and recognize that, although they serve in different communities and settings, they share one Salesian identity and one mission.

The prayerful send-off was prepared by Provincial Fr. Eric Cachia, SDB, together with the Oratories Youth Commission, as an opportunity to place the summer’s service in God’s hands and strengthen the sense of belonging to one Salesian Province. The gathering highlighted the importance of working together, supporting one another, and building a unified identity as leaders and animators within the Malta Vice Province.

Before the prayer and official send-off, all the leaders and animators participated in an important safeguarding formation session. This was led by Fr. Antoine Farrugia, SDB, the person responsible for safeguarding within the Province and a member of the Safeguarding Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta, together with Mr. Andrew Fiorini Lowell, a professional social worker with a Salesian background who is also a safeguarding trainer.

The session emphasized the responsibility of every leader and animator to create environments where children and young people are welcomed, respected, protected, and able to flourish.

The gathering concluded with refreshments, bringing together the young leaders, animators, and Salesians from the different communities. Beyond being a simple social moment, it provided an opportunity to meet, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the shared enthusiasm that characterizes the Salesian mission.

The send-off was therefore more than the beginning of another summer program. It was a visible sign of a growing desire to walk together as one Province, united in identity, formation, and mission, and committed to serving young people in the spirit of Don Bosco.