Kampan Chinnam –
Guwahati, (Assam): In an initiative that resonates beyond borders, a series of dynamic Media Awareness Sessions aimed at youth and educators was conducted from October 14 to October 25, 2024, across key educational institutions in Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Spearheaded by Sister Anna Kipounamai of the Daughters of St. Paul, this program sought to illuminate the profound power and influence of media in today’s digital landscape, empowering students with critical skills for effective media engagement.
This initiative has generated significant interest, attracting enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and staff from various institutions, including St. Paul’s School, Loyola Hr Sec School, and St. Francis De Sales Hr Sec School. The sessions featured an array of interactive discussions, presentations, and hands-on activities that shed light on both the positive potentials of media and the serious risks of its unchecked consumption.
In Kohima, the program reached diverse and vibrant audiences. Noteworthy highlights include the engagement of 88 teachers at Phesama’s Teachers’ Training Centre and 110 students at St. Paul’s School. Jakhama’s Loyola Hr Sec School welcomed 308 students, complemented by 44 parish youth from Mary Help of Christians Parish. The Medziphema session at St. Francis De Sales Hr Sec School saw participation from 280 students, while Tura’s Loyola School attracted 200 students. The initiative reached its pinnacle at Loyola College in William Nagar, where an impressive 500 students deepened their understanding of media’s impact.
Participants were profoundly moved by the key messages delivered during the sessions. Rokosanu Rebecca, Parish Youth Secretary for Mary Help of Christians in Jakhama, elaborated, “The programme on Media Education Animation provided me with substantial insight into the pervasive effects of media. I learned about the negative consequences of improper media use, such as cyberbullying and mental health challenges, while also recognizing the opportunities for positive engagement through effective media utilization.”
One of the most memorable moments transpired during a thought-provoking session on October 18 at Loyola School, where Sister Anna challenged students with an unexpected exercise: she asked a student to leave the hall without explanation. This action ignited confusion and disappointment among her peers, prompting a subsequent discussion in which students condemned the action as unjust. This pivotal incident encouraged introspection on the collective responsibility to confront injustices, highlighting essential themes of empathy and advocacy.
Sister Anna emphasized the importance of mindful communication throughout the sessions, urging students to utilize positive language and critically assess the media they consume. Her compelling narratives, paired with discussions on violence and the development of conscience, spurred attendees to become proactive agents of change in their communities.
The sessions concluded with a powerful call to action, inspiring students to harness critical thinking skills and promote awareness of the implications of media consumption. Tynshine, a Class 12 student of Jakama, encapsulated the program’s impact: “The seminar provided invaluable insights into the benefits and risks of social media. We were inspired to understand the importance of justice and the need to stand firm against injustice.”
This pioneering Media Awareness Program not only educated and informed participants but also aimed to inspire a generation poised to become responsible global citizens remarks one of the Educator in Nagaland. The Daughters of St. Paul’s initiative serves as a compelling model for similar programs worldwide, demonstrating how media education can foster resilience and advocacy among youth in an increasingly complex digital age feels another beneficiary educator from Meghalaya.