(ANS – Rome) – On Friday, July 11, the Advanced Formation Course for Salesian Leaders in Europe, organized by the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), came to an end. The course was entitled: ‘The Preventive System: Detailed study, Updating and Proposals’. The one-year course awarded 15 European University Credits, comprising 375 hours of work, with three weeks of compulsory attendance in Rome.

The class was international, involving directors of works from Europe and the Mediterranean area: Slovakia, Lebanon (Beirut), Palestine (Bethlehem), Egypt (Cairo), South Sudan, Portugal (Lisbon), Slovenia, Ukraine and then Italy with the Social Works of the South and Centre (in Puglia, Rome and Sicily) and the schools and professional training centers in Mestre, Trento, Ivrea and Borgomanero. These are all engaged in different ways in global challenges to help combat situations of famine, violence, deprivation of rights, hunger, fragility and abuse, wars, and child poverty. And also to build opportunities and a future through the formation and spirituality of Don Bosco.

The contents mainly concerned the organization and management of the works, integrating Salesian formation and spirituality with the aim of building relationships and networks between the various international contexts. Thus, with high-level teachers, tutors, and formators, the themes of personal identity and works, leadership and management in Salesian houses, spirit of initiative and effective collaboration, planning and projects, management of a Salesian educational organisation, and the values and spirituality of Don Bosco were addressed.

The course ended with the presentation of a project by each participant (the one on the transformation from a parking lot to a courtyard, as an element of Salesian educative and pastoral focus, was highly appreciated) and the awarding of the formation certificate.

The visits to Don Bosco’s social works in Rome were also very interesting: the Borgo Ragazzi’ in the former Forte Prenestino in Centocelle (family home, oratory, community centre, vocational training) and the Pius XI schools in the Tuscolano district. Finally, the two culminating events were the visit to Salesian Headquarters, inaugurated a few days ago with the brand new immersive museum of Don Bosco, and the significant meeting with the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard.