Present for the meeting was Fr Gildásio Mendes, Social Communication Councillor, the team from the Dicastery of Social Communication, Rome, and the different coordinators from each of the regions. Coordinated by Fr Ernest Rosario (South Asia), the objective was to build on the Salesian Communication network and evaluate programs held during the year.
Fr Gildasio opened the meeting with words of gratitude for the wonderful work that each one carried out in their different regions, throughout the congregation. Setting the tone for the meeting, he outlined the goals and reminded the members to build network and relationships; to be protagonists and take initiatives in the different activities; to Collaborate and move forward and to create a healthy Networking in the communication ministry and with other. He reiterated that the Social Communication sector members, focus on the Accompaniment, Formation and Presence with the referent and the delegates of each region.
Each of the Regional Coordinators then shared their report, highlighting the initiatives and challenges of the region.
Fr Rigobert representing Africa-Madagascar region spoke of the stable team of delegates, the formation of the young and the new initiative of mobile journalism to be rolled out.
Zaida Navarrete, the coordinator for the Inter America region presented the different programs of the year conducted in the region, - the meeting in Chile, the voices project and the discussion held with 98 participants on the ‘Dream of nine’. She also mentioned that the first meeting of musicians was also scheduled, together with programs and plans for 2024.
Fr João Carlos, the coordinator for the Brazil, spoke of the preparations for the bi-centenary, the visit of the Rector Major and the Fraternity Campaign of the Bishops of Brazil. He also shared that after the International Communication workshop meeting in Rome the delegates would spend 4 days in Rome to know more about realities connected with communication in Rome.
Fr Ambrose Pereira the Coordinator for the East Asia – Oceania region, highlighted the commitment of the EAO region to journey with young people through the Voices and DBGYFF program. The young participants dealt with Digital and Substance Addiction, Environment and Violence. Giving a voice to Indigenous people is being now speared headed by Cambodia. The Salesian Bulletin, seminars on AI for the Salesian Formators and others such initiatives were conducted. Plans for 2024 include online and in person formation, he mentioned.
Fr Marcin Wosiek, the Coordinator for the Central and Northern Europe region stated that the different languages of the region make it a bit difficult to have common programs. He assured that all the provinces will participate and engage well in the Communication Conference.
Fr Ernest Rosario, the Coordinator for South Asia, said that the Voices project, highlighted migrants, unemployment, addiction, etc. He affirmed that BOCOM has been functioning for the past 27 years, the film festival in Chennai, the Don Bosco Digital Forum, the Salesians musicians and the BOSCOM General Assembly. The SPCI has consented to set up a central office in Mumbai. Plans also include coordinating a three-day formation around World Communications Day.
Fr Harris Pakkam, the referent for the South Asia and East Asia Oceania region, highlighted that the success of the Voices project in both the regions, with a good participant of young people. The unique Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival project had produced reasonable results and preparations had begun forward for the next edition. A National Seminar would be also planned together with the Voices project in the South Asia regioj, he affirmed.
Fr Ricardo Cámpoli, the referent for the Inter America and America South Cone regions, expressed how he was able to interact with several delegates in the region. The School of Communication plus had commenced with 140 participants. A meeting to disperse the Salesian Bulletin highlights was also held.
Fr Macije Makula, the referent for Africa Madagascar and Europe regions said that communication in Europe dwelt mostly with the war in Ukraine and Palestine and Israel. In Africa, an office for the region was planned to be sent up in Nairobi. The Mobile Journalism course would commence in Zambia. Speaking about the Communication Conference of 2024, he encouraged the delegates to participate in it. He asked the members to suggest speakers for the conference from different regions and discuss the ‘Key Issues’ that have been circulated.
Fr Gidasio Mendes expressed his satisfaction at the dedication and commitment of the members. He stressed that it was not merely news flashes, but a reflection of persons with credibility. He spoke of the International Commission of Artificial Intelligence and the new document that needs to be studied and revised. The scheduled meetings for 2024 will be on 17th May and 4th November 2024, he affirmed.
Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, EAO SC Coordinator
