ANN Province’s Social Communications Department Concludes Formation Workshop
In a bid to strengthen communication, collaboration, and strategic planning across the Province, the Social Communication Department of the Africa Nigeria–Niger (ANN) Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco organised a three-day formation workshop titled Days of Formation in Social Communication. The programme, which began on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, brought together Salesians and lay collaborators for a period of learning, reflection, and capacity building aimed at enhancing the Province’s mission and apostolic effectiveness.
The workshop was facilitated by the General Councillor for Social Communication, Fr. Fidel Orendain, who led participants through a series of sessions focused on strengthening communication and leadership within the Province. Key topics covered included Provincial Strategic (OPP) Planning, Core Competency Planning, Crisis Communication Management, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Organizational Planning, Internal Communication, and Institutional Development Planning (IDP).
Salesians and Social Communicators from communities across the Province participated in person at the Don Bosco House, Iju, Lagos, while others joined the sessions live online. The blended participation ensured broad engagement and inclusive learning across the Province.
Through interactive presentations, group discussions, and breakout sessions, participants gained practical insights to support effective planning, collaboration, and implementation in their various apostolates. Fr. Orendain introduced practical tools such as the 5Cs Environmental Analysis and the E-PESTEL framework to support community-level and institutional planning. These hands-on exercises allowed participants to reflect on the specific realities and challenges of the ANN Province and explore practical responses suited to their contexts.
Participants described the workshop as enriching and timely, appreciating Fr. Orendain’s depth of knowledge in communication, leadership, and management, as well as the clarity he provided on collaboration between Salesians and lay partners. The hands-on sessions and open exchanges helped to address existing grey areas and strengthened a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities within the Province.
Commending the ANN Province for its hospitality and commitment to formation, Fr. Orendain encouraged participants to translate the insights gained into concrete actions within their communities and institutions. The workshop concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, as participants returned to their respective apostolates better equipped to communicate, plan, and serve more effectively in the Salesian mission.