(ANS – Mestre) – “Mission Animation 2026” took place in Mestre from 31 May to 2 June, a formation programme for young people from the Salesian Youth Movement of Triveneto, designed to support young animators in preparation for summer activities in oratories and Salesian houses. There were 130 young people present, accompanied by 30 adults and a team of 25 animators. The aim of the event was to offer participants a holistic programme, combining anthropological, pedagogical and spiritual formation with practical workshop sessions. Animation is not merely about organising games or managing leisure time, but is a genuine educational service that requires care, presence, responsibility and the ability to support the youngest members as they grow. The participants therefore took part in numerous activities and had the opportunity to hear important testimonies, such as those of Josep and Zeina, two young youth leaders from the Salesian oratory in Aleppo, Syria. Through the telling of their story, marked by war but also by hope, they bore witness to the young people of the value of peace, fidelity and the choice to continue to experience the oratory as a home even within difficult contexts. “Mission Animation 2026” thus proved to be a valuable experience in preparing young people.