(ANS – Rome – November 3, 2026) – The 16th Annual Gathering of EU Project Managers from the DBTech Europe network took place in Rome from October 28–30, 2026. The three-day event focused on vision-building, collaboration, and co-design to strengthen connections among vocational training, schools, and social initiatives.

More than 100 participants from 13 countries across Europe and the Middle East gathered at the Salesian Sacred Heart Headquarters on Via Marsala for the 16th Annual Gathering of EU Project Managers, organized by DBTech Europe APS ETS. The theme, “Educating for the Future: Bridging VET, Schools, and Social Works,” guided three days of intensive work, featuring prominent speakers from the worlds of industry and education, including two who participated remotely from Argentina and Spain.

A Network Growing Within the Salesian Mission

The gathering opened on Wednesday, October 28, with Father Rafael Bejarano Rivera, SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry and President of DBTech Europe APS ETS. In his address, he outlined how the DBTech network is developing and growing within a well-defined intercontinental organizational framework coordinated globally by the Youth Ministry Sector.

He emphasized that these are not isolated initiatives but rather a system of continental networks that collaborate with one another and with the Provinces, placing their project management expertise at the service of young people, particularly those most vulnerable.

Following his remarks, Dr. Piero Fabris, Executive Director of DBTech Europe, presented the objectives and structure of the three-day gathering.

Business, Education, and International Networks at the Same Table

The panel discussion “The Future of Salesian VET: Impact, Networks, and Global Partnerships” brought together different but complementary perspectives.

Dr. Daniela Ropolo, Head of Sustainability at CNH SpA, presented the perspective of a major industrial organization that views technical training as a driver of sustainable development and employability.

Father Maximus Okoro, SDB, President of the Don Bosco Nel Mondo Foundation and former Executive Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, offered an intercontinental perspective, explaining how Salesian vocational training networks can grow together across Europe and Africa.

Joining remotely from Argentina was Ms. Natalia Andrea Sánchez, National Coordinator of Escolas Pias, while Dr. Lorena La Iglesia, Head of International Projects at Escolas Pias and a member of the Board of Directors of the European EVBB network, participated from Spain. Their contributions demonstrated how collaboration between religious congregations and European training networks creates new opportunities for young people.

Social Engagement at the Heart, Formation as a Laboratory

The first day, which was also attended by several European Provincials who enriched the discussions with their contributions, concluded with a focus on social works and inclusion.

Father Peter Rinderer, SDB, Provincial of Austria and Coordinator of Salesian Social Works in Europe, and Father Francesco Preite, SDB, President of Salesians for Social, highlighted the real needs of the most vulnerable young people and the importance of vocational training programs capable of supporting them.

The second day was dedicated to sharing projects and collaborative planning. Three parallel thematic workshops guided participants through practical discussions:

• Salesian schools network: Mobility opportunities and the skills of the European project manager, led by Dr. Piero Fabris (DBTech Europe).
• Social services and inclusion: New training needs, led by Dr. Francesca Iachini (Salesians for Social Services).
• International mobility: 2027 funding opportunities and calls for proposals (Erasmus+ and CoVE), led by Dr. Angelica Projetti (CNOS-FAP Italia).

A Networking Marketplace then facilitated new connections among schools, vocational training centers, and social initiatives.

On Friday, October 30, the gathering concluded with a summary of the discussions and the presentation of the DBTech 2026–2027 Roadmap. The program also included presentations by VIS on MPF projects and by Salesians for Social on the AMIF “Elevate” project.

The Sacred Heart at the Center of the Mission

Welcoming so many colleagues to the Sacred Heart carried a significance beyond simply hosting an event. For many participants, it was their first visit to this place, where the Rector Major and General Councillors continue Don Bosco’s mission every day and maintain connections with the Provinces and Salesian works around the world.

The visit to the new interactive and immersive Don Bosco Museum left a lasting impression on participants. Even simply walking through the courtyard between sessions was enough to make them feel at home. In this place, where the stories of a worldwide Salesian family come together, project managers rediscovered the deeper meaning of their work: not simply funding applications and partnerships, but real young people to whom they can offer a future.

It was a return to the roots of the Salesian mission that warmed hearts and strengthened a sense of belonging that no video conference can replace.

The Vicar’s Welcome and the Rector Major’s Closing Remarks

During the gathering, participants received a warm welcome from the Vicar of the Rector Major, Father Stefano Martoglio, who expressed his gratitude for the network’s commitment and encouraged participants to continue serving young people with passion.

The Rector Major, Father Fabio Attard, officially closed the event on Friday, October 30. In his concluding remarks, he entrusted participants with the responsibility of returning to their respective Provinces with Don Bosco’s words in their hearts and the Salesian spirit guiding their work, so that no young person would be left without opportunities.