(ANS – Lviv) – The war continues in Ukraine. And it continues to leave its mark on children’s lives too: in the disrupted nights, the air-raid sirens, the absences, and the fears they often learn to bear far too early. In this difficult context, however, the mission of the Salesian Vice Province of Mary Help of Christians in Ukraine also continues: to stand by young people, to educate, to accompany them, and to safeguard hope.

Once again this year, the Estate Ragazzi (Summer for Young People) program was organized, alongside numerous summer activities promoted by the various Salesian communities. In this way, around 3,000 children and young people from various parts of Ukraine took part. For them, these were days of play, friendship, formation, prayer, and shared life.

It was, however, yet another summer spent in a country still at war.

When the sirens sounded, the courtyards would empty, and children, young people, and activity leaders would head down to the shelters together. And sometimes, even there, the singing, games, and activities continued.

Today, in Ukraine, a Salesian playground is also this: a place where a child can continue to feel like a child, a teenager can still dream, and a young adult can learn to give of themselves to others, even when a siren forces everyone to take shelter.

This is the heart of Don Bosco’s Preventive System: not to leave young people alone, but to be present in their lives, especially when things become more difficult.

This journey has also involved many young youth leaders. The School of Salesian Spirituality, lived out in the footsteps of Don Bosco, has helped them return to the roots of the charism and understand more deeply the meaning of their service. The “Bosco Forum,” with the motto “Free to Serve,” was almost the natural culmination of this: young people who have received a warm welcome, friendship, and hope, and who now choose, in turn, to become a gift to other young people.

Behind all this there is also a large family that continues to walk alongside Ukraine. “Our gratitude goes to all the organizations, friends, and benefactors, and, in particular, to the Salesian Foundations and Mission Offices in various countries, including Missioni Don Bosco of Turin and Don Bosco Mission Bonn, who share this mission with us,” write the Salesians of Ukraine. “Your help does not simply support activities. It enables thousands of children and young people to feel that, while their country is suffering, they are not alone and they are not forgotten.”

Every day, the war seeks to restrict their future. The Salesian mission, however, continues to open it up.

“With Don Bosco, we continue to believe in young people,” they conclude. “And together with them, we continue to believe in life.”