1415 PNG-SI Media powerful for values communication
austraLasia 1415
Media - powerful means of communicating values in PNG
PORT MORESBY: 29th January 2006 -- Eleven practical
trainees working in PNG, indigenous to the nation and from elsewhere
around the world, commenced their Media Seminar with the novena to St
John Bosco on 22nd January. The seminar was held at the Emmaus
Retreat and Delegation House in East Boroko, Port Moresby. "It's a time
for fraternal sharing of your experiences, an input on an aspect of
ongoing formation and a time for recommendations in your practical
training duties", Fr Luciano Odorico, PNG-SI Delegate reminded them at
the beginning. He read out a message from Fr Julian Fox sent int
he name of Fr Scaramussa, General Councillor for Social Communications,
which highlighted the need to employ the power of communications for
greater effect on the young. He also invited them to share news
for the Salesian world, especially through austraLasia and ANS.
One particular highlight of the three day event was
the visit to the FM100 Radio station, a visit which featured
prominently in the 'positives' of the evaluation the brothers offered
at the end. "Ours is a family station", stated Mr. Lahui Lovai,
Programme Manager at Kalang FM100. He outlined the station's
mission and stressed the proactive role of response through daily
talk-back programmes. The visit gave the brothers an opportunity
to better understand broadcasting, production, maintenance, sales and
marketing, and dealing with community issues through constant
surveys. "It's great to know that Christian values underline a
commercial station and their interests in issues that concern the
young", commented participant Bro. Tolentino Darwin. "The formal
visit to FM100 was a powerful reminder of professionalism in conveying
good values to the community. Perhaps we can do the same", added
Bro. Tupe Malopito from Samoa, but working in PNG. "The visit,
highlight of the seminar, stressed the focus of the media in informing,
educating and entertaining the people", said Bro. Tangi Canute.
Understanding the different parts of the newspaper
gave them insights for their own school newsletters. "Filled with new
ideas we hope to make our newsletter creative and interesting to read",
said Bro. Angel Sanchez. "Analysing news items will enable us to
read, write and spot relevant issues for the young, and share news
items in our institutes", said Bro. Joseph Tran Phuoc Tinh.
Taking their cue from advertisements, the brothers
made posters with messages relevant to life. Brief film and song
analysis has given them possibilities for critically understanding the
subtle messages communicated through the media. "We need to be
pro-active and creative as we send out our messages", Bro Charles Caspa
indicated. Several of the participants expressed their
appreciation for the insights received and have committed to writing
articles and sharing with the young. In a land with a difficult
terrain, and limitations in travel and communications, time will be the
best judge of that! The participants were sorry to have missed
out on the musical input precisely because transport difficulties
prevented the presenter from making it to Port Moresby.
The seminar concluded on 24th January, Feast of St.
Francis de Sales and the day when the Holy Father released the full
text of his World Communications Day message. "It has been great
interacting and sharing with you", said Fr Ambrose Pereira, facilitator
of the seminar. "Commitment, witness and networking will enable
us to get the message out", he concluded, as the seminar drew to a
close. At the Eucharist on the 24th, Bro. Tupe Malopito renewed
his profession. A short entertainment followed.
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