Kimbe, West New Britain Province: An insightful and rousing seminar focusing on the elements and importance of Print Media engaged the participation of 31 teachers from around the Diocese of Kimbe.
The three-day program held from 27th - 29th April 2021, at the Mai Catholic Parish of Kimbe, was facilitated by Mr Brendon Kaita, Diocese Media Coordinator and Christian Religious Coordinator of Poinini Catholic Secondary Schoool, and the Social Communications (SOCOM) Team from the Catholic Bishops Conference led by Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, SOCOM Secretary. The seminar also had the brief presence of Vicar General, Fr Gabriel Tovo; Pastoral Vicar, Fr Benjamin Agea; and Catholic Education Secretary of Kimbe, John Silpaga.
An array of creative sessions was held throughout that dwelled on the various aspects of Print Media ranging from Answering the 5Ws 1H, Writing News and Feature Articles, Creating Posters, Inspirational shots in Photography, Diocesan Newsletters, and Layout Design. Participants were also actively involved in interactive game sessions, energizers, moments of reflection, nature meditation, and prayer throughout. Following an alternate pattern, daily Mass was conducted in the Mai Parish Chapel, whilst recitation of the Holy Rosary and Regina Coeli were held outdoors.
Fr Ambrose highlighted the significance of World Communication Day and how it was celebrated annually on Ascension Sunday, and said this served as a reminder for all Christians to go out into the world and proclaim the good news. “You are the channel of communication, use the media to speak for the voiceless, faceless and the oppressed,” he said.
He reminded teachers of their disciplined roles toward their students and schools and encouraged them to continue being committed and creative to inspire people by their teachings and also by their lives. “What you have achieved in this seminar is only the start of your transformation, but with your dedicated effort, you will gradually be able to transform your students, others, and even effect policy change on the diocesan and provincial level that is ultimately for the common good of all people,” he said.
Mr Kaita expressed his gratitude to the SOCOM Team for taking time off from their busy schedule to provide the seminar and urged for participants to partake as much possible in the its sessions. “I would like for participants to acquire all the essential knowledge necessary to be able to later implement in and for their school but more so for the Diocese of Kimbe,” he said.
Representing the Bishop of Kimbe, John Bosco Auram, Mr Silpaga applauded the participants for their committed involvement despite having families and leaving them to attend the program. He reflected on the seminar’s theme and said, “Despite difficulties, pains and sacrifices, if we are to move forward during such times, we need to have hope. We will not be satisfied until we start going out from our comfort zones to make a difference in evangelizing.”
Head Teacher from Ulamona Primary School, Gimots Luellyn, appreciated how presentations were kept short yet effective and said he was compelled to becoming an active contributor to his school and the Diocese. “The concepts presented for print media were easy to grasp and this is something I will share with the rest of my school and students,” he said.
The SOCOM Team also had the privilege to visit and speak to students and staff of Poinini Catholic Secondary School, and Caritas Technical Secondary School of Kimbe.
The final night had a variety of item presentations by teachers that ranged from stand-up comedy, dances, singing and instrumental music, and presentations of gifts.