This meeting had made the participants become more aware of this important task of animating the province as regards to Social Communications. They had looked into the many tasks that must be handled directly and other tasks that he must follow up indirectly. It is no surprise then, that provincials are advised to have full time persons in this sector. They were made aware too of realities that play when a crisis happens in the province and that our communication should be timely, respectful of the truth and respectful to all parties involved.
During the dicussions, inputs and homilies, the delegates have been realistic and exhibited a healthy balance, which are traits like those of Don Bosco – the communicator. They see that there are dangers in the use of the new media, but also potentials for the spread of good influence. They follow the new trends of social media but also give attention to the old ones like the newspaper, booklets, radio & TV. They have shared also about the cultivating of one’s spirituality to balance out the worldliness of the media.
Despite the difficultites of the travel visa - which was the reason for the absence of some delegates – and the need for linguistic flexibility to accomodate at least 3 international languages of the region (French, English, and Portuguese), the participants have enthusiastically agreed to finalize their proposed Provincial Social Communication Plans and carry out more collaborative initiatives among the various sectors within and among the provinces of the Africa-Madagascar Region.
The proposed new coordinator of the Provincial delegates for Social Communication for the region of Africa-Madagascar is Fr Wilfried Mushagalusa (AFC) assisted by Fr Sebastian Koladiyil (AFE) and Br Samuel Job (AFW).
