By Fidelmah Urakupa

Port Moresby, PNG, 4 March 2025—The first Media Education Seminar (MES) 2025, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying from Darkness to Light," was held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Gerehu. This program aimed to equip young people with knowledge and skills for using media positively. Participants from 12 Catholic using media positively, a youth group under Radio Maria, attended the event.

The seminar began with student registration, followed by a prayer and a warm welcome from Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB, EAO, and PGS Social Communications Delegate. Fr. Ambrose and a dynamic team of volunteer facilitators facilitated and animated the program. Nearly a hundred participants, students, teachers, and animators were in attendance.

Opening the program, Fr Ambrose spoke about World Communication Day, which falls on Ascension Sunday, with its theme: "Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts." He highlighted the main objectives of media: to inform, educate, entertain, inspire, transform, and effect social change. "Everything you do - your words, actions, attitudes, and thoughts - should be inspirational. Transformation should take place first in your family, then in your school and community to foster social change in society," he said.

The second session was led by Patrina Kaboanga, who focused on the essential elements of designing a logo, including the graphic or symbol, typography, and color. "A logo is your organization’s identity; it tells the story of your organization as a first impression," she explained.

The third session, "Posters with a Message," was presented by Sheryll Isoaimo. She emphasized that the message on a poster must be positive and that the six objectives of media can be effectively conveyed through posters. Posters can be either entirely graphical or text-based. Ms. Sheryll advised that a good poster should convey a clear message through a combination of images and short text. "When designing your poster, start with a strong idea. It must stand out, inspire, and remain simple. Keep in mind your purpose, audience, and message - and above all, your Call to Action (CTA)," she explained.

The final session, "Photography: Photos to Inspire," was conducted by Mr. Leo Paraha. He shared that photography is the art of capturing light with a camera to create an image and that it all depends on what the photographer wishes to communicate. Mr. Paraha provided valuable tips: "Always approach photography with a clear heart, hands, and head." He emphasized that every photograph should convey a positive message.

"As an animator, I realized I need to be there at all times to guide them, offer ideas, and provide corrections before their presentations," said Gabriella Palawo, a teacher from De La Salle, Bomana.

Before the closing prayer, Fr Ambrose expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active involvement throughout the seminar. He encouraged the animators to hold regular sessions with their participants and increase the media profile of their school of institution. He also thanked the principal of St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School for hosting the event.

The next Media Education Seminar will be held on 29 March at La Salle Technical School, Hohola. Participants will deal with the basics of the printed word and prepare simple newsletters for their schools and institutions.

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