Last month, the girls from the Salesian Girl Scouts group took part in a clean-up initiative in Long Beach as part of their “Take Action Award”. In particular, they helped to collect rubbish, protect marine life and make a positive impact on their community. “We are proud of their teamwork, their leadership and their commitment to giving back to the community,” commented staff at the Boyle Heights Center.
At the same time, the young people at Roosevelt High School set to work on writing a book and, in March, took part in a special session to evaluate and choose potential titles. It was an encouraging moment, which stimulated the students’ creativity and critical thinking.
But it wasn’t just literature. The basketball division of the Salesian Family Youth Centre, Pee Wee, recently concluded its first season thanks to a partnership with the Variety Boys & Girls Club. The youngest players had the opportunity to try out a new sport, whilst the more experienced ones were able to showcase their skills. It was a fantastic season and the children really enjoyed every moment.
Over the past few weeks, the Boyle Heights Center has also opened its doors to students from St Mary’s Academy who chose this venue for their voluntary work. Together with members of the Center, they cleaned and tidied up, making a contribution that really made a difference. “We sincerely appreciated their commitment and their help,” they commented.
Of particular note was the road safety course. Thanks to this five-week programme, students were able to attend the course free of charge, whilst acquiring the fundamental knowledge and skills for safe driving. Participants can now go to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and sit the test. This programme continues to demonstrate a commitment to supporting and empowering the community through accessible education.
In recent weeks, there has been a strong focus on sport. Students recently had the opportunity to take part in the Mamba Clinic, an excellent introduction to the basics of basketball for those approaching the sport for the first time. At the same time, the Don Bosco Club hosted a football school, which combined sport with moments of reflection inspired by the Gospel. The girls from the dance team also distinguished themselves in a regional competition, proudly presenting their choreography and showcasing their coordination, energy and dedication.
The robotics team, meanwhile, recently took part in a school event where they demonstrated their commitment, creativity and technical skills. Competing against many teams, they finished in 21st place overall. Although their ranking was modest, the experience proved invaluable, as the students were able to showcase their robot’s design and performance, learn from fellow competitors and gain insights for future competitions. The event highlighted the team’s dedication and marked an important step in its ongoing growth and development.
Finally, the young people from the Boyle Heights Center had the honour of taking part in the 2026 ‘Kindness Summit’. They learnt that it doesn’t take much to help others and express kindness: all it takes is a willing heart. The students took part in workshops focused on kindness and service and also volunteered to prepare hygiene kits for children in the troubled Skid Row area. It was a meaningful day of learning, reflection and action.
