(ANS – Araçatuba) – The eighth Salesian Academic Missionary Volunteer Programme (VAMS), organised by UniSALESIANO, began on 25 June 2026. Fifty-one student volunteers have been sent to the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, where they will remain until 6 July to carry out activities in support of the indigenous communities of Meruri and São Marcos, assisted by the Salesian Mission. Their departure was preceded by a celebration in the chapel of the Centro de Convivência, during which the participants received the missionary cross, a symbol of their commitment to work in a spirit of service, solidarity and hope. During the mission, the students will be involved in educational, cultural, pastoral, environmental, sporting and recreational initiatives, as well as research projects developed with the support of the university’s lecturers. The experience was prepared through a programme that began in February, comprising meetings, moments of reflection, solidarity activities and fundraising campaigns. According to university officials, the VAMS represents an opportunity for personal, academic and spiritual growth, fostering encounters with different social and cultural realities. The initiative remains one of UniSALESIANO’s key social engagement projects, aiming to combine university formation, voluntary work and skills development through service to local communities.