4796(I)_GEX stands for Young Past Pupils of Don Bosco

2018 GEX animation in the EAO region started in Hong Kong

July 24, 2018

By Mr Alberto Piedade, EXDB GEX Councilor for Asia - Oceania

Hong Kong, 23 July 2018 -- Two World Confederation Councilors - Alberto (Region of Asia-Oceania) and Angel (Vice-President for the GEX: Giovani Exallievi) arrived in Hong Kong on 21 July 2018 for a two-day visit. The objectives of the visit are to meet with the National Federation of Don Bosco past pupils and their SDB Delegate, also to pay a visit to the mission of Salesian of Don Bosco sites.

On the first day, the two councilors were accompanied by the President of National Federation of PPDB Hong Kong, Mr. John Lau to three schools: Salesian School (Primary School) & English School, located close to Braga House of the Salesians where we visited the Senior confreres who were having a meeting with Salesian Cooperators and Aberdeen Technical School – ATS.

Unfortunately, we did not get to meet with the students due to the school summer holiday. During the visit, both of us had the pleasure of the company from Mr. Austen Wong and Mr. Joseph Shlaw - both are "old boys" from ATS and Mrs. Lily (spouse of John Lau). In the Salesian House, we were introduced to Fr. Paul Fong who is now 99 years old together with some senior SDBs, including Fr. Francis (86 years old) and Bro. Long (96 years old) - such inspiration to the spirit of Salesian and youth.

On the second day (22/07), the President took us to the Tang King Po School for a Sunday Mass service then to St. Louis School where we managed to witness Oratory for the young children in primary school (grade 1 - 4). We did not get to meet with many of the Salesians as they were on the retreat - and the Salesian Delegate, Fr. Matthew Chan was also away in Canada.

Nonetheless, the Federation organized the meeting with 11 members (including 4 young past pupils - GEX) that we presented the Strategic Plan of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, GEX, Business platform, networking (database) and other worldwide initiatives. The Hong Kong Federation has 9 associated member schools (2 of them made of Past Pupils from Macau living in Hong Kong) - we managed to visit five of them. Other two, Salesian College and Tak King Po College, we were not able to visit, due to time constraint.

We were able to meet four great GEX (Young Alumni, Young Past Pupils) with potential and enthusiasm. Looking forward to be supporting them in near future with GEX programs in Hong Kong and beyond.