By Nigel Akuani

Madang, Papua New Guinea, 24 July 2020 -- A truly high-spirited and lasting impression was experienced by the audience as the eighteen students of Divine Word University presented their audio and video short-films and received their certificates.

The occasion held on 17 July at the Sir Peter Barter Auditorium (SPBA), was the formal conclusion to an intense three-day Media Education Seminar.

The final presentation was graced by the presence of Fr Joseph Orathinkal SVD, Provincial of Society of Divine Word Missionaries and Deputy President of DWU’s University Council, Professor Fr Phillip Gibbs SVD, Deputy President of DWU; Sr Miriam Dlugosz, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr Alphonse Aime, Head of Communication Arts Department; Priests, Religious and Laity; staff and students of DWU; representatives from Caritas Australia, Radio Maria PNG, and Social Communications of CBCPNGSI; families and friends.

Fr Joseph said he was impressed by the productions presented on COVID-19 and the environment and thanked the facilitators of the seminar for highlighting the Holy Father’s message. He ended urging for more proactive steps to be taken to improve the situation.

Ms Charlotte Vada, Caritas Australia COVID-19 Disaster Risk Management Coordinator, commanded the students for their incredible input into creating professional audio jingles and video for broadcasting to help raise awareness of COVID-19.

Fr Philip admitted that the seminar was a new and different yet positive experience for the students and called for similar such seminars to be organized on behalf of the students. He extended his sincerest gratitude to all those involved in making the seminar a success.

Reflecting on the students’ participation, Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Social Communications Secretary of CBCPNGSI, told of how the students displayed promising skill and energy in their creations. “The young people of today have an abundance of talent, zeal and energy and this needs to be channelled to constructive and creative productions”, he said. He congratulated the participants and thanked the Divine Word University for their welcome and cooperation.

The students were then awarded Certificates that recognized their attendance and hard work in meeting the requirements of developing COVID-19 awareness Jingles and Videos, and short films reflecting the environment and Pope’s Encyclical Laudato Si’.

The program was held from 15 to 17 July 2020. It had the participation of eighteen Journalism Students from the Communication Arts Department of DWU. The seminar was hosted by CBC SOCOM in partnership with the Divine Word University, SIGNIS International, MISSIO, Caritas Australia and Radio Maria. Thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who supported this activity through the JRAP (Joint Response Action Plan) for addressing COVID 19 in PNG.

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