February 8, 2025 (Comoro) – The Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) commenced its public consultation to define the institution’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, marking the first in a series of structured meetings aimed at shaping the institute’s future direction. The event took place on February 8 at ISDB’s premises (Aula Magna) and brought together a wide range of stakeholders for collaborative discussions.

The public consultation, coordinated by Fr. João Boavida and moderated by Mr. Alex Gusmão, was preceded by informal preparatory meetings to lay the groundwork for this critical process. Participants included ISDB’s internal and external stakeholders, such as lecturers, student representatives, non-teaching staff, alumni, the governing body, members of the Salesian family, and rectors from Salesian communities employing ISDB graduates.

The day’s agenda featured several key components:

• Opening Speech: Fr. Manuel Pinto, Rector of ISDB, representing the Grand Chancellor, Fr. Anacleto Pires, opened the session by thanking participants and highlighting the Strategic Plan’s significance for ISDB’s institutional growth and development.
• Presentation of Vision, Mission, and Core Values: Delivered by Fr. João Boavida, Secretary and Head of Administration.
• Technical Methodology: Moderator Mr. Alex Gusmão outlined the consultation methodology.
• SWOT Analysis: Participants broke into small groups to evaluate ISDB’s current state using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, followed by group presentations in the main assembly.
• Future Vision Discussions: Using the Technology of Participation (ToP) method, small groups discussed aspirations for ISDB’s development over the next five years.
• Priority Setting: The session concluded by identifying twelve strategic priorities. The top three priorities included:
  1. Enhancing the competencies of teaching and non-teaching staff.
  2. Establishing a Research and Community Extension Department.
  3. Advancing infrastructure development.

The consultation, which began at 8:00 AM and concluded at 3:30 PM, set the foundation for the next phases. Fr. Manuel Pinto and Mr. Alex Gusmão thanked the participants for their active involvement.

This consultation is part of a three-day process. On the second and third days, specific goals and objectives will be identified to inform the first draft of the Strategic Plan. This draft will undergo public revision before final approval by ISDB’s governing body. The finalized Strategic Plan is expected to be officially launched on February 25, 2025.