By Nigel Akuani

Port Moresby, Papua new Guinea, 18 May 2020 -- The second Media Education Seminar kicked off to an energetic start with the presence of seven Catholic Agency schools.

The weekend commenced on Friday 15 May, at the Emmaus Conference Centre in Boroko, and had forty participants from Don Bosco Technological Institute, De La Salle Secondary School, La Salle Technical School, Marianville Secondary School, Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, and St Charles Lwanga Secondary School.

The seminar began with the arrival and registration of students with each undergoing a strict temperature check. The early participants interacted with each other. The program commenced with evening prayer, rosary and interactive games. Sessions dwelt on environmental protection by Ms Carol Aigilo. This was followed by an input on COVID-19 in song and jingles by Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Secretary of Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops Conference.

Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic attacking many countries and in parts of PNG, Fr Ambrose stressed the need for cooperation and togetherness to reduce the spread and contraction of the virus. “It is not about me, but we, because we are all in this together. The only way we will make it through is if we each individually do our part by following the safety rules in place,” he said.

Ms Aigilo stressed the importance of the environment to our human existence and told of the drastic consequences of illegal logging that affected many traditional landowners. “Illegal logging takes away the environment those people depend on for food and water. Though we have entities and authorities in place to protect our environment and the people, sadly not enough seems to be done to rectify these problems” she said.

Mrs Sheryll Isoaimo, Animator of Jubilee Catholic Secondary, described the seminar’s introduction as ‘dynamic and impressive’ and said this was the main factor that compelled students to fully immerse themselves in the sessions. “Lively animation throughout, a reflection into the environmental issue, with practical lessons on creating audio jingles had them enthusiastic and fully drawn in,” she said.

George Gau, Grade Eleven student of De La Salle Secondary, admitted that the media seminar was a new experience and said he was looking forward to learning as much as he could to create a positive change in society. “Though the coronavirus is here, I know that through the use of media skills, my message of awareness to others can be made stronger,” he said.

Grade Twelve of Caritas Technical Secondary, Alison Shangkei, said she was fortunate to be attending and explained of how grateful she was for the sessions on the environment and COVID-19. “I have now come to realise how serious and severe the problems are, and both lessons have really inspired me to do more, not just for me but for others and more importantly the environment,” she said.

Other sessions to be covered include Audio Basics and Creation of Jingles, Video Basics, Types of Shots, The Problem Tree, Storyboard Making, Film Shooting, Video Editing, and Video Presentations. The 3-day seminar will end on Sunday 17th May.

The Seminar is facilitated by Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Secretary of Social Communications and SOCOM Team of the Catholic Bishops Conference.

---

---