On Sunday 20 December 2009, 120 young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) came together at Marie Dominique, the Salesian Sisters` Centre in Yaoundé (Cameroun), to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Congregation. The day was divided into five important stages : Animation and prayer, an exhibition, Mass, Meal and finally, a concert. They all came from different Salesian presences in the city: Marie Dominique, the Salesian Sisters ; Don Bosco Boys Town in Mimboman, belonging to the Salesians ; Obili and Nkol’Afeme, groups that have recently sprung up in the suburbs, run by theology students from St Augustin, Ekié, of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Also members of the Salesian Family). These groups of young people were joined by aspirants and postulants from the city. Around a dozen priests took part.

Here are some testimonies:

Fr Roland MINTSA, sdb

The SYM puts young people up front, and allows the Salesians (SDB and FMA), to gain a measure of the work we do for the young. In the booklet prepared for the day there are two of Don Bosco`s dreams. I often think of the famous line of Martin Luther King, "I have a dream". Dreams let us see the psychology of someone and what they think of the future, what they want to achieve. The SYM is a place for dreaming. A young person who stops dreaming is blocked. Young people must dream and also dream with those who give meaning to their lives. May young peoples` dreams come true!

Caroline Maryse, Student, leader at Don Bosco Boys Town in Mimboman.

I have known the Salesians for 7 years. It is the Salesian spirit which motivates me to be here because it is such a fine spirit. I see today as a proposal from Don Bosco and Mary Domenica (Mazzarello) as models to imitate. I believe that today is a day for deepening my understanding.

Sr Lucie, FMA Provincial

If, 150 years ago, there was not a group of young people who dared to dream with the drand dreamer then non of us would be here. Don Bosco believed that young people had many possibilities and that they were generous and capable of dreaming big. And definitely, young people like that still exist. You are here today. So I invite you not to be afraid to dream big. It is not the kind of dream you have at night but the kinds of ideas you have in your head and they ask you if it can be possible. Yes it is possible if you want. Do not be afraid to go against the current. We live in a society which tends to reduce everyone to the same level. To achieve your dream you must trust in your teachers who try to point out the way, the truth and life: Jesus Christ.

Godefroy, Aspirant, Student at the Catholic University of Central Africa

This is my first time at Cité Marie Dominique and it is a real joy to meet the Salesian Sisters here. When Father spoke to us about Don Bosco`s dream, this helped me to think of my own dreams. Relationship betweeen people is what makes me interested in Don Bosco. I would like to follow in his footsteps and I b elieve this is the way for me to take.

Fr Grégoire KIFUYI, sdb

Don Bosco began with young people and his ultimate aim was their salvation. Our coming together here is then an appropriate momentt to speak of Don Bosco, his charism and also to offer to young people a concrete vocational commitment. Allow young people to dream, to have hope in the future. Help young people to leave desperation behind. It is by dint of hard work that the future will be better and it is necessary to help young people understand that.