World Confederation and Newsflash 2017

By Mr. Alberto Alves Piedade
World Confederation of Don Bosco Past Pupils
GEX (Young Past Pupils) Councilor for Asia - Oceania

Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2017 -- During the three days meeting presided by President of World Confederation of Past Pupils, Michal Hort, on 27-30 April 2017 in Madrid-Alcalá, Spain. The meeting took place in Casa Don Bosco and was attended by majority of the World Presidency members together with the World Delegate, Fr. Raphael Jayapalan, SDB, one of the Vice-Presidents, Councilors (Adults and GEX from Europe, America and Asia) as well as the Secretariat of Confederation was present to assist with the management of the meeting and notes taking; Unfortunately, due to other competing priorities and visa reasons some members of the Presidency were not able to participate.

One our first day, Fr. Jayapalan, SDB guided us through reflecting the image of Saint John Bosco – A Fascinating Saint – a figure that past pupils need to know and embrace especially of Don Bosco's charisma and his actual missions. Following, was the regional reports from each regional councilor with presentation of annual activities and events occurring in the area. From Asia, was represented by Alberto Alves Piedade, the Councilor of GEX Asia reporting on the EAO Congress that occurred in Dili, Timor-Leste in 2016. Whilst, another point raised was on GEX that in collaboration with GEX Europe and America to develop a curriculum (80% common programs and 20% contextual materials) for the School of Leaders. The proposal of GEX in Asia is to firstly establish the structure nationally to federation and regionally. This is to enable the implementing programs planned and connect all the representatives of GEX in Asia region in order to expand our network, share ideas to ensure nurturing and preparing young leaders for the future that their bonds start now.

Moreover, during this meeting we also discussed on how to better and effectively transmit the information of monthly reports from the World Presidency across and egange all the Presidents of Federation of Past Pupils Don Bosco and their delegates especially in Asia region. In terms of engagement, also on the report of the Strategic Plan submission, the World Presidency has only received five (5) out of seventy seven (77) provinces so far. The main idea of bringing Strategic Plan to the federations is that all the federations are able to work under one strategic plan and manage their activities based on a annual action plans to achieve the goals set under the seven (7) big priorities. In other words, having a strategic plan is to guide each province to take serious responsibility to undergo this process and have better planning and implementation mechanism.

Secondly, there were a number of presentations from councilors on Formation & Family, External Relations, Business Platform and Treasury; as well as external guest speakers on IPDO (Inspectoral Planning & Development Office), Social Platform and OMEAC. One of the important discussions was on membership fee and how to remind and encourage each country to submit the fee yearly. Thus, each councilor in the region will need to coordinate with delegates and send reminders and follow ups at the start of every year. Despite of the challenge encountered in money transfer, it was suggested during the meeting to explore the possibility of sending the fee via agencies such as Western Union or Money Gram for it will be quicker, faster and efficient and less cost involved.

Then, in our last day we the President introduced several programs around establishment of Past Pupils Database, Newsflash and enhancement of past pupils Website and promotion of past pupils activities on our Facebook page. The closure of the 3-meeting was made by concluding all the important points and actions to follow up in each region and members of Presidency. A proposal of next Presidency meeting was determined with 2018 in America (on 8-11 November, site is yet to be determined), 2019 in Asia and 2020 in Africa.

In conclusion, the meeting went well where everyone was highly cooperative, sense of familiarity and fraternity were built even stronger. The team is strong and enthusiastic to work together!

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