SIGNIS member in Papua New Guinea trains young communicators to create positive media impact

 

By Lucy Napitalai (Port Moresby). Students from the Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) joined other students from Catholic schools in Port Moresby for a weekend Media Education Seminar (MES) program, held June 4-6.

The seminar was the third in a media education series aimed at Catholic high school students in Port Moresby. The event was organized by Father Ambrose Pereira, SDB and his team from the Social Communications Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The sessions covered print, audio and video media, as well as activities that involved interactions and discussions on current issues in the youth arena. There were also moments of reflection, prayer and celebration of the sacraments. In addition, students created jingles and short films that highlighted messages of hope in line with the seminar theme, "Hope in the midst of COVID-19."

The program concluded with the presentation of the students' productions to school directors and families. Among them was Father Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, Provincial of the Vice Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands who encouraged young people to be creative, involving their talents and abilities to positively influence others: "You will find so many negative things in the networks social, and that garbage is what is influencing the way of thinking of young people. So use your creativity and skills in the media to positively influence others. When you influence, you are leaving an impact on others, "he said.

Below are some testimonials from the students.

"The seminar was the best event of the year. I really enjoyed staying there and learned several things in a short time. The most important thing was that I discovered time management and working with a deadline. Also, I appreciated my strength and the ability to think fast Overall, I loved the evening show because the longer we stayed, the more we enjoyed each moment. "

- Emmanuel Kokele (year 2 DBTI)

"I learned that the media is a form of communication method that is used to inform, educate and inspire people. I am grateful that I have been given this opportunity to be a part of the MES group for 2021. I am so blessed and A big thank you to the SOCOM team for their tireless efforts to make sure we learned something new. To my friends who are part of the MES team: "As young advocates for change, we must change the mindset of our friends and family with what we We have been taught by the hardworking SOCOM team. "

- Simon Komae (year 2 - DBTI)

"As a Bosconian, the evening MES was an excellent and inspiring experience, because students from different schools came together to spend the weekend and showcase our creative ideas using multimedia. Also, personally, it was a wonderful event that helped build my confidence. by expressing my gaze, thus achieving an impact. "

- Clifford Asunu (year 2 - DBTI)