Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Zambia, Kabwe Centre (ZMB Province), 8 March 2021 -- In Africa we find the fastest growing region of the Catholic Church and of the Salesian Congregation. The Association of Salesian Cooperators Association (ASC) is no exception. The ZMB province (Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia) of Salesian Cooperators was canonically established only in 2016, but we already find many well-established local centres and growing numbers of new members.

Kabwe is to be found in the Central province of Zambia, a city with two SDB parishes and two SDB communities (first presence in 1987) entrusted with many mission stations, primary and secondary schools, street childrens home, oratories and recently also the Novitiate formation stage has returned after 9 years to this town.

The 25 ASC members of the local centre animated by the Blessed Artemide Zatti SDB community come from both Salesian parishes, the majority being women, including also one couple, a good number of teachers and faithful deeply involved in parish evangelization work.

After the recent promise of 5 new members on 31 January 2021 another group of 11 new aspirants may begin their 3 year formation journey with their formation councilor and delegate - SDB Rector Fr. Ignatius Musenge.

Salesian Cooperators experience the joy and satisfaction of their direct apostolic commitment in the local daily Salesian Oratory, as patrons of various youth groups in the parish or simply living their teacher's vocation the whole day in their respective schools. Since they belong to both SDB parishes in Kabwe, they also form a natural bridge between the two SDB communities and hope to open another centre among the large Catholic community.

During the lively encounter during the extraordinary visitation they voiced their joys and struggles of their life and vocation. We share some of their highlights:

How to effectively help the poor people (money to beggars? Should we offer them only food when asking money?

Among their challenges are the changing SDB delegates with different sensitivities and preparation.

Concern about how to rejuvenate their membership with the younger generation.

Those who are involved in the Oratory face the weak understanding of the parents about the Don Bosco Way of Education

Lack of ASC formation materials, like a Don Bosco movie, literature about education, Salesian Family or ASC documents is also a challenging issue.

We give thanks and pray for the growth of the Salesian Lay Vocation (ASC) in this part of the Salesian World, where some EAO missionaries from Vietnam are also working.