(ANS – Rome) – With the participation of 17 Salesians and lay collaborators from Asia, Africa, and Europe, the DB Tech World Visioning Meeting officially began in Rome, marking an important step toward shaping a shared global vision for Salesian Vocational Training Centers.
Bringing together the regional and continental Don Bosco Tech networks, the gathering creates a dynamic space for dialogue, discernment, and strategic reflection aimed at strengthening international collaboration for the benefit of young people—especially the most vulnerable.
Alongside the DB Tech regional coordinators, representatives from key Salesian partner organizations are taking part in the meeting, including Don Bosco Mondo, Don Bosco Network, Jugend Eine Welty Fondazione Don Bosco nel Mondo, together with members of the Salesian Youth Ministry central team. Their presence reflects the strong culture of networking that characterizes the Salesian mission today.
The day opened with greetings and a keynote address from Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, Rector Major, who encouraged participants to root their work in the orientations of the 29th General Chapter (GC29). He highlighted the importance of safeguarding the charismatic identity of Salesian TVET, strengthening global networking, and fostering international cooperation as essential responses to the complex challenges facing young people today—particularly in the areas of employment, migration, inequality, and digital transformation.
Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, then presented the fundamental lines and structures of Salesian Youth Ministry, situating DB Tech within the broader framework of the Salesian educational and pastoral mission. He emphasized that vocational training centers are not merely institutions for skill development, but privileged spaces for holistic education, evangelization, and accompaniment.
At midday, participants gathered to celebrate the Eucharist—the spiritual heart of the meeting. Presided over by the Rector Major, the celebration renewed the sense of communion and mission among those present. In his homily, he once again inspired participants to see their work not simply as technical training, but as a transformative mission rooted in the Gospel and the Salesian charism.
The afternoon included a guided visit to significant places within the Generalate compound: the courtyard, the Chapel of the Word, the Chapel of the Letter, the offices of the Rector Major and the General Councilors, and the rooftop terrace. These spaces served as a symbolic reminder of the unity between governance, spirituality, and mission in the life of the Congregación Salesiana.
The day concluded with a moment of collective reflection and analysis of the existing forms of collaboration among the participating organizations. Participants began identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities, setting the tone for the coming days of deeper exploration and strategic discernment. The goal remains clear: to build stronger synergies and a coherent global vision that will enhance the impact of Salesian vocational training centers worldwide.