On his part, Fr. Harris Pakkam gave updates on the upcoming “Shaping Tomorrow” Conference, scheduled to be held in Rome this August 1 to 7, 2024 for the Social Communication delegates and collaborators. He informed that Fr Maciej Makula, the Coordinator of the Conference would provide more updates to the particpants on the logistics and other information related to the Conference. He also mentioned about the exclusive meeting planned only for the EAO & SA delegates on the morning of August 8, at the Salesian Headquarters.
Another item on the agenda for discussion was the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival scheduled worldwide on the 17 & 18 October 202. Fr Harris, as the festival director shared updates on the preparations and encouraged the delegates to animate young people from their institutions to participate in the festival with their entries. He reminded them that the last date for the submission of entries was July 31, and they had another 75 days to motivate the young people to participate.
Fr. Albeiro Rodas, the delegate for Cambodia shared positive feedback about the programs and trainings held at Don Bosco Kep, Cambodia last March for the indigenous people. He also presented the plans and prospects of the Namuncura Short Film Festival, that is entitled: ‘Territory’, offering the indigenous youth of Southeast Asia and Oceania an opportunity to showcase their art, talent, and insights with a focus on the environment.
The delegates also discussed possibilities for an upgrade of the regional website, ‘Bosco link’ as it completes its Silver Jubilee. They also evaluated the meetings, activities and events that have challenged, inspired and brought about collaboration between the different sectors, especially that of the youth in the past five years. The School of Communication, Voices, and the Indigenous projects were highlighted, while the painstaking work of translations, essential to the region was appreciated.
This online meeting was well coordinated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira the EAO SC Coordinator. He gave a few more insights on some possible common projects for the future, such as mobile journalism, Apps for sharing of information, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics in collaboration with the SYM. The meeting concluded with words of encouragement by Fr Harris.
by Fr Keith Amodia