The Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) Province joined other Salesian Provinces across the continent for the Regional Social Communication Meeting, AfriConnect 2026, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 1–3, 2026. The gathering brought together Salesian communicators, collaborators, and provincial delegates from different parts of Africa for moments of reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission in the digital age.
Representing the ANN Province at the meeting was Br. Samuel Job, who joined delegates from various African provinces alongside Fr. Fidel Orendain, the General Councillor for Social Communication, and other leaders in the Social Communication Sector.
Throughout the three-day meeting, participants engaged in insightful sessions focused on the identity and mission of Salesian communication. Fr. Fidel Orendain led key discussions on topics such as “Communication Is Our Identity: Remaining Salesian in a World of Many Voices,” “Reframing Social Communication’s Identity and Role,” and “Crisis Management and Communication: The Salesian Way.” The sessions challenged participants to reflect on how Salesian communication can remain authentic, creative, and mission-oriented in an increasingly digital and fast-changing world.
The programme also featured a session by media expert and professor, Dr. Nicholas Oduor, who spoke on the “Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Evangelisation.” His presentation highlighted the importance of embracing digital platforms as spaces for evangelisation, youth engagement, and meaningful storytelling.
Beyond the sessions, AfriConnect 2026 created opportunities for dialogue, shared learning, and fraternity among communicators working in different cultural and social contexts across Africa. Participants also visited several Salesian works in Nairobi, including Bosco Boys Kuwinda, Bosco Boys Langata, Don Bosco Utume, Don Bosco Boys Town, and Don Bosco Youth Education Services. The visits gave delegates firsthand experience of the impact of the Salesian mission among young people and vulnerable communities.
One of the highlights of the visit was the blessing of a newly established media studio at Bosco Boys Langata by Fr. Fidel Orendain, marking a significant step in strengthening Salesian communication and youth engagement initiatives in the region.
The meeting concluded with resolutions and a common manifesto reaffirming the commitment of Salesian communicators in Africa to work in unity, professionalism, creativity, and fidelity to the Salesian charism.
AfriConnect 2026 served not only as a regional meeting but as a reminder that communication remains an essential part of the Salesian mission, a tool for evangelisation, connection, education, and hope for young people across Africa.