Empowering Young Voices through Writing and Print Media

Port Moresby: Young people from Catholic institutions, a parish, and a group from Radio Maria participated in the second session of the Media Education Seminar series on writing articles and print media on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at La Salle Technical College, Hohola. The sessions aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to write articles and stories while understanding the key elements of print media and news boards, enabling them to create content that inspires others.

(Students and their animators take a group picture after the program..Picture supplied)

The program began with an opening prayer session, where student representatives from each institution shared a prayer intention, followed by a communal prayer. Introducing the sessions, Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, Social Communication Delegate and Coordinator for PGS and EAO, emphasized the importance of storytelling. He stated, “Stories touch people’s minds and hearts, and everything is linked through stories.” He encouraged participants to be positive and inspirational, inviting them to express themselves through writing: “Open the doors of your creative energy and unleash your talent,” he added.

The seminar featured four sessions: 5Ws and 1H in Writing News Articles, Inspiring Stories, Anatomy of a Newspaper and Magazine, and School News Board. Dynamic icebreaker games were incorporated between sessions to keep students engaged. The sessions and activities were led and facilitated by Fr. Ambrose and his team of volunteer facilitators.

In the first session, Ms. Lucy Napitalai presented on the 5Ws and 1H in writing news articles, introducing the inverted pyramid structure. She emphasized that “understanding these key elements will help you write good news articles about every event that happens in your schools or parish.”

In the second session, Mrs. Sheryll Isoaimo led a discussion on Inspiring Stories, encouraging students to write stories that have a positive impact on others. “Knowing your interests and passions will help you write inspiring articles,” she stated.

Focusing on print media, Mr. Leo Paraha explored the anatomy of newspapers and magazines, highlighting their key components and encouraging students to create their own school publications.

The final session, led by Miss Patrina Kaboanga, provided tips on creating an effective and inspiring news board. She shared strategies for designing engaging content that attracts readers and fosters interaction.

The seminar concluded with student presentations and a closing prayer led by Fr. Ambrose. He expressed gratitude to the Principal of La Salle Technical College, Br. Anthony Swamy, and teachers Mr. Murray Misha and Miss Sarah David for providing the venue and their warm hospitality.

Participants eagerly anticipate the third session of the Media Seminar Series, to be held at CARITAS Business College, Boroko, scheduled for April 26, 2025.