The first Media Education Seminar (MES) kicked off on Saturday, 24th February 2018. It also saw the official launching of the Salesian Bulletin.
Organised by the Catholic Bishops Conference’s Social Communication (SOCOM), MES is aimed at educating and enabling secondary and tertiary students to be critical consumers and creative producers in the media with the intent to spread the ‘Good News’.
This full-day seminar dwelt on images and photos.
The seminar was held at the Emmaus Conference, Boroko, in Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) compound and saw 7 catholic schools attend the program with a total of 65 participants.
The schools were: Sacred Heart Teachers College, Bomana; Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko; Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu; Limana Vocational School, Gordon; Caritas Technical School, Boroko; Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Hohola and Marianville Secondary School, Bomana.
The program highlighted the message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for the 52nd World Communication Day. “The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32) - Fake news and journalism for peace.”
Each session had inputs and a practical component that had to be completed in a set time period. Sheryll Extra-Isoaimo and Ian Zuasula dealt with posters and photographs, while the session on the World Communication Day message and logos was taken by Fr. Ambrose Pereira.
“It was marvelous to see all the participants engaged and working in their respective schools, striving to bring out the best through their productions,” commented Fr. Ambrose.
At midday, Fr Alfred Maravilla SDB, Provincial, launched the Salesian Bulletin. Present with him were Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb, Fr. Srimal Priyanga sdb, Fr. Robinson Parapilly sdb, Fr. Ariel Macatangay sdb and Fr. Jorge Ormeño SDB.
“Let us be bearers of good news,” stated Fr Provincial with vigour. “As students of Catholic schools, let us spread the good that we do and make known the good news.
“This is our little contribution to making the charism of Don Bosco known and loved.”
The Salesian Bulletin is a means of contact between the members of the Salesian family, through which the Salesian charism is better known and loved by its members.
As per the wishes of Don Bosco, Father and Founder of the Society of St Francis de Sales, the magazine is meant to inspire every staff member, student, mission partner and collaborator of the institution.
It is therefore distributed to every member of the Salesian Family at every Salesian institution.
The articles dwell on the Strenna of the Rector Major and highlight ‘Listening’. The next issue scheduled for release at the end of May will dwell on ‘Accompaniment’.
After the launch, the seminar continued with the final session and the students drawing up plans to share what they have learnt in their school.
The second MES will be held on April 7th and will deal with articles and newsletters.
