austraLasia #3237
Short courses at Henderson
HENDERSON:
24 June 2013 -- Two
very
different short or shorter courses (one just finishing
- welding,
the other just under way - video production), are being
offered by the
Don Bosco Tech at Henderson, Solomon Islands.
Video Short Course
participants enjoy their first week
The digital environment is part of the experience of many
people
especially the young. The proper understanding and use
of this
important aspect of life is essential, that individuals and
communities
may benefit. With this in mind, Don Bosco
Technical
Institute, Henderson has organized a Video Short Course.
The Course, which commenced on 17th June 2013, has 18
participants with
ages ranging from 16 to 60 years are a happy blend of male and
female,
different backgrounds and walks of life. They have been
dedicated
and committed and enthusiastic to start every morning at
8.30am.
At 3pm they head home to rest and get ready for the next day.
Each day begins with a prayer and a group exercise.
There has
been a substantial amount of theory, but all of it extremely
useful for
the practical exercises, carried out each afternoon.
At the beginning of the week the students were asked to
capture
examples of a variety of shot types including establishing
shots, wide,
medium and close ups. The concepts of the “Law of the Thirds”,
was also
introduced, which emphasized good positioning of objects in
focus. Eventually the students settled down onto the
stunning
iMacs and began editing the footage taken from the practical
exercises. After a concise yet comprehensive overview of
the
software, the students were straight into it. The week
covered
basic approaches to framing and camera movement, an
introduction to
editing with iMovie as well as shoot planning with
storyboards.
Course animator and freelance film editor and director, Alex
Scott has
been happy with the enthusiasm in their learning and helpful
attitude
of one another. “It has been our aim to make the course
practical, and
the students have begun their third video project - the last
to be
completed before they begin on their major projects in week
two. With
each project they improve their skills and their understanding
of how
good planning can make for good shooting, and ultimately
better
material to edit”, he said.
“It’s been wonderful to be part of the Media Industry, where
we inform,
educate and entertain the public. As ‘digital natives’
we are
important to the development of our country”, said Georgianna
Lepping,
PAOA FM. “It is good to go beyond the basics of camera
and also
edit with the latest iMacs and learn the roles of crews in
both big and
small productions”, she said.
Attitude and
Performance is what matters
Fabrication and Construction are trades that are needed in the
Solomon
Islands as it strives to build up its infrastructure and
improve the
lives of its people. Welding is in demand as the country
continues to develop.
A 10-week Short Welding and Fabrication Course is drawing to
its close
at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson. The 14
students have
enthusiastically participated in the academic subjects,
practical
projects and extracurricular activities that have been
organized at the
Institution.
The course dwelt on the basics of Welding and
Fabrication. The
students were a wide range of participants, young and not so
young,
some had the basic knowledge of the trade, while others were
beginners. After the basics were taught and
demonstrated, the
students got down to putting their skills into practice.
Weeks
later their efforts have been rewarded as eight baking ovens
each made
out of two and a half empty fuel drums have been
completed. The
students are now working on fabricating metal double-decker beds.
“I wish to be a tradesman. Don Bosco has opened up
possibilities
for us for which I am grateful”, said Lloyd Iro.
“The
course and the facilities at Don Bosco have helped me learn
and love my
trade. I do hope that I will be honest and a hardworking
person”,
said Sokeni Claygie. “I look forward to working in a
company so
that I can improve my home and family”, said Steve Maneka.
Besides the course content there have been classes in English
and
Values as well. The extracurricular activities that have
contributed to their all round formation at the
Institution.
Course coordinator, Luke Houpere has been proud of the
performance of
the students. “The students have proved themselves by
completing
their projects and have involved themselves in other
educational
activities, but what directs them to a higher level is not
their skill
but the development of their character. This is seen in
their
attitude and their performance of the little things at
school”, he said.
In addressing the students, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, the
Rector, encouraged
them to focus their minds on the task ahead and strive for
perfection. He suggested that they strive to look for
ways to
ensure that they can get around the brick walls in our paths.
As their course completes the students will now go out into
industry to
complete the required number of On-the-job hours. They
all look
forward to their graduation on 11th October 2013.
