Menzel-Bourguiba (Tunisia). On 21 March 2023, 60 young animators of the Salesian Youth Movement of Tunisia met at the School of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Menzel-Bourguiba, for a day of formation and celebration.

In Tunisia, the Salesian network is made up of four works: for the FMA of the Notre-Dame des Nations Province (FRB), the work of the Community of Our Lady of Carthage in La Marsa and the School of the Community of St. John Bosco of Menzel Bourguiba; for the Salesians of Don Bosco, the work of Manouba and the Tunis School of the Community of Our Lady of Carthage in the San Paolo Province (ISI). Coming from these four works, the animators took advantage of the holidays to joyfully invade the Menzel School.

In December 2022, a first formation day was organized on the theme “Educating to peace”, a great novelty for these young people who were able to experience the joy of forming themselves, of sharing together, of playing, of thinking about their mission as animators. “A spark was enough for the fire to ignite. They asked for a second day! How could we refuse?” says Sister Virginie Merel, FMA missionary of the Community of Menzel.

36 of them participated in a workshop on the theme of sustainable development goals, with particular attention to peace. This formation was led by Samar, mother of two animators from the Menzel School, an educator, a radiant person who, with enthusiasm and passion, guided the animators through three hours of activities in Arabic, French, and English.

The less experienced, however, learned the basics of animation with Fr. Jacques Bertrand, a French priest, and with Danny, a Lebanese SDB. Getting to know each other, breaking the ice by playing, singing, dancing, was a real challenge for them… and a success!

“These young people from Tunisia have few opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, talk about important issues that affect their lives. We sense their thirst for meeting each other, for learning, for taking responsibility, for having fun in a healthy way. It is a joy for us, Salesians of Don Bosco, to be able to collaborate together to help them grow according to the heart of St. John Bosco, so that they become honest citizens and good believers in respect of their Muslim faith! For them, Ramadan began on Thursday 23 March. Activities with children will be suspended, but the next SYM evening will be a Ramadan evening in which we will have the joy of breaking the fast with them and sharing a moment of celebration together. This is the joy of inculturation! We entrust these young people to you, this Salesian enthusiasm,” concludes Sr. Virginie.

Source: Don Bosco Aujourd’hui

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