By Nigel Akuani

       Port Moresby, PNG 8 April 2022 -- ‘LISTEN! Do Everything with LOVE,’ was the empowering theme for the first Media Education Seminar (MES1) with students from ten Catholic agency schools in Port Moresby.

       Facilitated by the Social Communications (SOCOM) Commission, the seminar was held on Saturday 2 April 2022 at the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBCPNGSI) Centre and saw the participation of Don Bosco Technical Secondary, Don Bosco Technological Institute, Limana Vocational Centre, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, La Salle Technical College, De La Salle Secondary, Marianville Secondary, St Joseph’s International Catholic College, St Charles Lwanga Secondary, and Caritas Business College.

       The seminar saw the engagement of 55 fortunate and talented students hand-picked by the 16 Animators. The 7-hour day program had sessions that focused on: Media and Communication; Photos to Inspire; Logos with a Message; Prayer and Reflection. Group activities and lively energizers had participants fully engaged right throughout the sessions.

       SOCOM Officer, Abigail Seta, highlighted the theme’s significance and explained that it was always good to listen to others as it was a sign of respect and empathy. “When we give others the opportunity to shine, we are already showing them that we care about what they think and that they have a contribution to make to the church and the society. It’s always good to remain calm, quiet, and listen to those around us and understand how they feel,” she said.

       Animator from De La Salle Secondary School, Valentine Regau, admitted that although this was first time to take on such a program, he reassured us that his students would receive his full and continued support throughout MES in 2022. “All the students have displayed significant potential in all that they did. As we go along, I am prepared to guide and work closely with my students in bringing out their best,” he said.

       Kean Zuasula, Animator from Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, applauded the efforts and presentations made by the SOCOM Team, and said the Media Seminar taught students the importance of being social and the need to always be creative in their works.

       “The participants from the 10 catholic institutions are talented and have great potential. Engaging with them, viewing their productions, building on their creativity and above all giving them a platform to express themselves in a positive manner, is a sign that we journey with our young.

       “This indeed is Synodailty. My gratitude to the animators and the facilitators who are committed to the young and are ready to spend their weekends in their service,” Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, CBC SOCOM Secretary stated.

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