Port Moresby: ‘Hope Amidst COVID-19’ was the inspirational theme for the 2021 Social Communication Seminar held from Monday 22nd February to Friday 26th February, at the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBCPNGSI) in Wagani.
The seminar was facilitated by the Social Communications Secretary, Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, and the SOCOM team respectively; Abigail Seta, Nigel Akuani, Rosemary Yambune, and Jessica Oata. It had the involvement of eleven participants representing the dioceses of Wabag, Goroka, Alotau, Mt Hagen, Lae, Kavieng, Aitape; with two staff from the National Catholic Church Health Services (NCCHS).
Specifically focused on the Print Media, the seminar taught participants how they could effectively harness the use of print media and its essential elements to communicate the ‘Good News’ through their news stories and events happening within and around their diocese. It dwelled on Church Communication, Feature Articles, Creating Diocesan Newsletters, Importance of Print Media, 5W’s and 1H, Inspiring Photographs, Layout and Design Applications, News Writing Elements, Photography Guidelines, Types of Camera Shots, with practical activities and product presentations.
In his talk on Church Communications, Fr Ambrose highlighted the importance of the need to be authentic and be credible witness of the Gospel message. Elaborating on the objectives of the media: to inform, to educate, to entertain, he stressed on the need to inspire persons, transform communities and bring about social change in communities.
Fr Bibin Babu from the Diocese of Goroka, thanked the facilitators for the sessions and said he would do his part to be a source of inspiration for others. “We have built up our capacity as communicators and each of us ought to be active contributors throughout our diocese that strives to not just inform and educate, but also to inspire,” he stated.
Reuben Vagi, Information Technology Officer from NCCHS, described the seminar as an overwhelming experience that provided him with a detailed insight into writing and photography. “This training has definitely broadened my understanding, appreciation and the crucial role of the Print Media,” he said.
Social Communication Coordinator of Kavieng, Godfrey Ambage, said that though the training was rigorous it did help him better comprehend the concept of writing news for his diocese. “With the valuable knowledge I have gained in this week’s sessions, I am keen on writing proper stories on a constant basis for my diocese and to share my experience with others wherever I go,” he stated.
Presenter and Editor from the Catholic FM in the Diocese of Lae, Snyder William, said the weeklong seminar was an opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills in the field of writing and photography.
Interactive action songs and games were held in between to liven up the atmosphere that had participants fully engaged in. A special Eucharist was held on the final day and was celebrated by Fr Ambrose, and concelebrated by Fr Bibin, Fr John Bosco from Aitape, and Fr Newman Kingi of Wabag.