By Lucy Napitalai

Port Moresby, PNG, 10 June 2025 -- With the rise of the digital age and the growing influence of media, it has become increasingly important for young people to understand the unique gifts and talents they possess, not just in themselves, but also in how they engage with digital media and technology. They are called to use these gifts to share positive stories through the media. The Media Education Seminar 2025, organized by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, Social Communication Coordinator for EAO and PGS, together with several volunteers and media personnel, has provided such an avenue, hosting monthly programs since February, focusing on various aspects of media.

For June, the seminar series included an overnight program from Friday to Saturday afternoon, 6 - 7 June 2025. The event, held at the Sivarai Namona Pastoral Centre, Bomana, brought together five groups: Marianville Secondary School, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Limana Vocational, Mary Help of Christians, Technical and FODE Centre, Boroko, and Don Bosco Technological Institute.

Friday’s activities began with registration and settling in, followed by an evening prayer of the Rosary, concluding with a goodnight talk. “Apart from our activities, the beauty of this natural and serene environment also invites us to connect with God,” added Fr. Ambrose. After a shared meal and some ice-breaking activities, the first session commenced with a talk on ‘Alcohol and Substance Abuse’ and its impact on the human brain. This was presented by Ms. Lorraine Angham, a medical expert from the Directorate of Social Change and Mental Health Services. Ms. Lorraine also discussed the harmful effects of betel nuts, explaining how their consumption, like that of other substances, negatively impacts the brain. The session concluded with a time of reflection, where participants and animators shared their experiences, fostering an atmosphere of trust and a safe space.

Before bedtime, participants watched a series of short films as a preview of the following day’s activities.

Saturday began with breathing and stretching exercises, led by Lucy Napitalai, followed by Mass celebrated by Fr. Ambrose in the chapel. “If God is not there, we’re going to hold onto something else,” said Fr Ambrose as he highlighted the importance of God in our lives. He encouraged the celebration of the sacraments, especially the sacrament of marriage, urging participants to live lives of total commitment and joy, echoing the gospel reading of the day. “Tomorrow is Pentecost - may the Spirit descend upon you so that you can be fired with zeal to live your lives in joy and commitment,” he concluded.

The subsequent sessions included Mr. Leo Paraha presenting on storyboarding and storyline development. Participants then moved through practical exercises: creatively planning their storylines and storyboards (pre-production), shooting their films (production), and editing (post-production), before finally viewing and evaluating their completed films.

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