(ANS – Rome) – On December 18, 2025, the Youth Ministry Department brought together Don Bosco TECH Regional Directors from India, Africa, Europe, and ASEAN for an online meeting, focused on strengthening global collaboration and envisioning the future of Salesian Vocational Training Centers (VTC).

The virtual gathering provided a shared space for reflection on regional developments, emerging challenges, and collective aspirations for the Salesian mission in vocational education—an essential pillar of the congregation’s service to young people, especially those most in need.

Opening the session, Fr. Rafael Bejarano, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, highlighted the vital role Salesian VTCs continue to play worldwide. He emphasized the congregation’s unwavering commitment to forming and empowering disadvantaged youth, helping them grow personally and professionally, and preparing them for dignified and meaningful employment.

A central moment of the meeting was the presentation of a proposed structure for the Visioning process for Salesian Vocational Training Centers, introduced by Mr. Piero Fabris y Fr. Maximus Okoro, SDB. Their proposal outlined a clear and systematic framework for evaluating current practices, identifying future priorities, and strengthening governance across regions.

The visioning structure aims to ensure that Salesian VTCs remain dynamic, adaptable, and deeply faithful to the charism of Don Bosco. Participants expressed strong appreciation for the proposal, noting that it would significantly enhance coordination and cross‑regional collaboration, enabling VTCs to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of today’s youth.

The meeting marks an important step in renewing and shaping the congregation’s long‑term commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). To build on this momentum and translate shared insights into practical strategies, an in‑person international gathering is scheduled for March 16–20, 2026, in Rome. This encounter will bring together diverse experiences and regional perspectives to further refine the roadmap for the future of Salesian technical education.

Fr. Jose Dindo Vitug, SDB
DB Tech ASEAN Coordinator