is an annual formation and leadership gathering organized within the various Don Bosco educational settings across regions. Rooted in the Salesian tradition of holistic education and youth empowerment, the assembly brings together selected student leaders from Don Bosco schools, institutions, and youth centers to reflect, collaborate, and grow in their roles as servant-leaders. 

Inspired by the pedagogical principles of St. John Bosco, the assembly aims to develop leaders who are not only academically competent but also spiritually grounded, morally upright, and socially engaged. The SLA fosters a vibrant community where young leaders can share best practices, deepen their understanding of Salesian values, and build lasting networks of solidarity and support.

Each year, the assembly is guided by a central theme aligned with the Strenna and the current pastoral priorities of the Salesian community. Activities typically include leadership workshops, team-building sessions, spiritual reflections, talks by Salesian educators and guest speakers, and opportunities for planning school-based and inter-school initiatives.

Ultimately, the Student Leaders Assembly serves as a vital platform for forming future leaders who embody the Salesian spirit of reason, religion, and loving-kindness, and who are committed to becoming good Christians and upright citizens.

Held on August 7-8, The Student Leaders Assembly (SLA) entitled JUANWAY: Juan Journey for the Young Leaders of Tomorrow was part of Don Bosco’s ongoing commitment to nurturing servant-leaders rooted in Salesian values. The assembly brought together student leaders from various Don Bosco settings for two days of meaningful encounter, formation, and collaboration.

JUANWAY was designed to provide young leaders with a transformative experience—a “journey” that deepened their understanding of leadership as a vocation grounded in faith, service, and community. The program centered on the unique role of the youth in shaping a better tomorrow, highlighting the idea that each “Juan” (We Bosconians are "little Johns") has the potential to lead with purpose and integrity.

Throughout the assembly, participants engaged in interactive workshops, group discussions, team-building activities, and spiritual reflections. They listened to inspiring talks from Salesian mentors and guest speakers who shared real-life stories of leadership and mission. The assembly also provided space for student leaders to reflect on their own roles within their schools and communities, as well as to collaborate on projects aimed at fostering unity, responsibility, and active participation.

JUANWAY served not only as a leadership training but also as a celebration of youth potential, unity in diversity, and the Salesian call to be “good Christians and upright citizens.” It was a journey that left each participant more inspired, more connected, and more committed to leading the Bosco way—together, with and for others.

During Father Jerry’s afternoon formation talk, he emphasized a message close to the heart of every Bosconian: Holiness equals true joy and happiness. He drew inspiration from the life of Saint Dominic Savio, recalling the moment when Don Bosco told the young saint that to be holy is simply to be happy. This idea also reflects the essence of Salesian Youth Spirituality, which is rooted in joy and optimism.

In concluding his talk, Father Jerry reminded us Bosconians that holiness is not about being gloomy or distant from the world, but about living with happiness in our hearts. We are called not only to be holy, but also to be genuinely joyful in our journey of faith.