AGL-PDO Weekly Meeting Highlights Ethical AI, Capacity Building, and Donor Accountability

PDO staff reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s message on artificial intelligence, shared lessons from regional training programs, and reviewed donor reporting priorities during their weekly review meeting.

KIGALI-RWANDA: 1 June, 2026: The Salesian Planning and Development Office (PDO) in the Africa of the Great Lakes Province- (AGL) held its weekly review meeting, bringing together all staff members under the leadership of Fr. Servilien Ufitamahoro to reflect on ongoing activities, share lessons from recent capacity-building initiatives, and discuss key organizational priorities.

A highlight of the meeting was a reflection led by Fr. Ufitamahoro on Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical letter of Pope Leo XIV, which focuses on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing from the Holy Father’s message, Fr. Ufitamahoro emphasized the need for ethical responsibility in the development and use of emerging technologies.

The Pope warns that artificial intelligence, while offering significant opportunities for progress, can also become an instrument of domination, exclusion, and harm if not guided by ethical principles. Fr. Ufitamahoro encouraged staff to remain committed to promoting human dignity and the common good in all aspects of their work and decision-making.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for staff members who recently attended professional training programs to share knowledge and experiences with their colleagues.

Mr. Dominique Uwarugira, Provincial Job Service Officer (P-JSO), briefed the team on key lessons from the TVET Systematization Training held in Nairobi, Kenya. He explained how the training seeks to strengthen Don Bosco’s vocational education model through standardized systems, digital learning platforms, quality management practices, tracer studies, and evidence-based decision-making. He highlighted the importance of creating consistent, scalable, and impactful TVET institutions capable of responding effectively to the needs of young people and the labour market.

Members of the Project and Finance Team also shared insights gained during a Project Management Workshop organized for African Salesian Planning and Development Office staff in Kigali. They highlighted practical lessons in project planning, budgeting, monitoring, reporting, accountability, and sustainability. Participants noted that the workshop strengthened their capacity to manage donor-funded projects more effectively while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among Salesian development offices across Africa.

The meeting further addressed organizational accountability and reporting responsibilities. PDO Coordinator Mr. Felcien Dusabimana briefed staff on the status of pending donor-funded project reports and reviewed upcoming reporting deadlines.

He emphasized the importance of timely and accurate reporting as a critical tool for demonstrating project impact, maintaining donor confidence, and ensuring continued support for development initiatives.

Reflecting on the various capacity-building opportunities discussed during the meeting, Fr. Ufitamahoro underscored the importance of knowledge sharing within the organization.

“When you acquire more knowledge, you must share with people. So, everyone must be open to learn,” he told the team.

He noted that the true value of training is realized when acquired skills and experiences are shared with colleagues, contributing to stronger teamwork, innovation, and institutional growth. He encouraged all staff members to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and mutual support as part of the organization’s commitment to excellence and service.

The meeting concluded with a review of upcoming priorities and a renewed commitment by staff to uphold the values of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and lifelong learning in advancing the mission of the Salesian Planning and Development Office.