By Leo Paraha
Don Bosco, Kep Province, Cambodia, 18 March 224 -- Delegates from East Asia and Oceania engaged in deep reflection as the meeting unfolded over the past three to five days of the Short Course on Media Production and Social Media for Indigenous People.
On Day 2 of Session Two, Fr. Albeiro led a morning meditation and facilitated a discussion on the acceptance of Aboriginal languages within the church. Delegates were encouraged to reflect on the importance of incorporating Indigenous languages into church practices. The consensus was that embracing these languages enriches the church's diversity and fosters better communication and dialogue with Indigenous communities.
In Session Three, led by media teacher Seng Thy, participants learned about video editing in Indigenous languages with English subtitles. This practical skill-building session aimed to enhance the delegates' abilities to produce media content in their native tongues.
Session four focused on artistic expression, as each country was given space to create wall art depicting their nation's issues, problems, and hopes. This activity served as a showcase of cultural richness and heritage.
Day 3 began with reflections on legendary Aboriginal stories and their significance within the church. Subsequently, delegates engaged in a session on storytelling through video, further exploring ways to preserve and share Indigenous narratives.
The day concluded with a visit to a flower shop near the school, where delegates purchased plants native to their countries to accompany the wall art, symbolizing a connection between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.
On Day 4, discussions centered on Aboriginal territories and land conservation, emphasizing the sacredness of the land and the concept of "home" for Indigenous peoples.
Day 5 offered a refreshing break on Rabbit Island, where delegates enjoyed various recreational activities and reflected on the beauty of nature. Ronnie from Malaysia-Sabah shared his profound connection with nature during a walk on the island, highlighting the importance of appreciating God's gift of the natural world.
Each day concluded with a Eucharist ceremony, followed by dinner and cultural performances showcasing the diverse traditions of the participating countries. The event culminated in a bonding experience around a fire, where delegates engaged in traditional chants, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.
Overall, the course provided a holistic approach to media production, cultural preservation, and spiritual reflection, fostering understanding and appreciation among delegates from different backgrounds.
