-      Abigail Seta 

 

Port Moresby: The Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference hosted its 3rd Media Education Seminar for 2020 that had nine schools create and produce short films. 

 

Held from 26thto 28thJune at the Emmaus Conference Centre, Boroko, the short films focused on the theme ‘Keep it Clean. Go Green’ and the COVID-19 Precautionary measures.

 

“The important aspect of this program is not merely to communicate an idea or a news item but how we can elicit change in ourselves, make sure that there is community change and ultimately to ensure that there is change at the level of government,” said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Social Communications Commission Secretary as he spoke on the aim of communicating messages through short film. 

 

The seminar commenced on Friday, 26th June with the first session on COVID-19 that was facilitated by Caritas Australia Representative, Charlotte Vada. In her session, she spoke on the ‘New Normal: Risk Communication and the 6 Key COVID-19 Messages.’ She challenged the students to be good risk communicators. 

 

Following this session, Fr Ambrose Pereira reviewed the productions of the students from the 2nd Media Seminar and evaluated the films. 

 

The second day of the program began with a session on the Environment that was facilitated by Environmentalist, Carol Aigilo and Marianville Secondary School Teacher, Janice Warak. Both facilitators dwelt on Climate Change and its impact on the communities. This was then followed by sessions on Storyboard, 20 Second Films and Shooting Short films by the CBC SOCOM Team. The sessions had activities that required the students to create their storyboards and shoot 20 second films on COVID-19 and 2 to 5-minute films on the environment. 

 

The third day of the seminar dwelt on Writing Articles by Jubilee Secondary School Teacher, Sheryll Isoaimo. The students wrote articles on the media seminar and were given the chance to interview others. Apart from the sessions, the program also had prayer moments, interactive games and reflection time. 

 

The three-day program concluded with a presentation of eighteen short films. The films were screened by Archbishop Emeritus Francesco Panfilo sdb, newly appointed Archbishop Rochus Tatamai MSC, Bp Donald Lippert, principals from the different schools and invited guests.  

 

In his concluding remarks, Fr Ambrose thanked the schools for being a part of the program and encouraged the schools to support and to promote the work of the students.

 

The nine schools that participated in the seminar were from Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko; Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu; Limana Vocation Centre, Gordons; De La Salle Secondary School, Bomana; La Salle Technical College, Hohola; Marianville Secondary School, Bomana; Caritas Technical Secondary School, Boroka; Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Hohola and St Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Gerehu.

 

The program is a series of seminars hosted by CBC SOCOM with the sponsorship of Caritas Australia, SIGNIS International and several volunteers and benefactors.

 

 

Comments from students:

 

I have learnt a lot from the program, and I want the program to continue, so that it can build up young minds who will inspire change in the community – Willie Bayang, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. 

 

The spiritual moments brought me great healing and restoration. It was truly a blessing – Lovanchor Dotson, Marianville Secondary School, Bomana

 

The serene environment inspired me. I learnt a lot, but the most important thing was that I was able to stand courageously in front of the others and present my opinion to the participants – Smaddex Stanford, De la Salle Secondary School, Bomana

 

The program gave us an opportunity to let our voices be heard. It will be wonderful if we can have more programs on the environment and on domestic violence as these are problems in PNG that are not being heard – Bai Jamal, Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu

 

I liked the shooting of films and the prayer moments – Ashley Titi, Caritas Technical Secondary School, Boroko

 

Working under pressure to complete our video was no easy task, but it all turned out well and we heaved a sigh of relief – Thelma Matbob, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko.

 

The change of surroundings provided a relaxed atmosphere with wonderful moments of prayer and reflection. The coordinators got the participants to be active and involved in every session. – Tiffany Mari, St Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Gerehu

 

I would like to start a social media movement on climate change to let our young people know about the effects of the climate on our environment.  – Temmytha Odu, Jubilee Catholic Secon