by Swati Patil
MUMBAI, JUL 21, 2016: The first media workshop for the Correspondents of Bosco Information Service (BIS) - the social communication wing of the Salesians of the Mumbai Province - was conducted on July 18-19, 
at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Matunga.
Almost 50 reporters from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh- representing their Salesian institutions- attended the seminar, to sharpen their skills and strengthen the output of BIS.
In his inaugural speech Father Joaquim Fernandes, Regional Delegate of Boscom South Asia gave an overview of the Salesian Social Communication System.
Professionals were invited to train the amateur reporters. Karen Laurie, Editor of BIS for the province, spoke of the need for all articles to be relevant to a greater audience and not just an individual community or institution. News gathering and reporting were the skills, she imparted.
In the session on 'New Media Reportage', Father Chris Valentino, Member of the Provincial Commission for Social Communication, highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of social media and urged the reporters to be vigilant netizens while publishing any information.
Father Cleophas Braganza, the Salesian Webmaster for Boscom South Asia, brought the correspondents up-to-date on Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) which is cost efficient and secure software; a better option to pirated versions of expensive softwares available in the market.
The group was then hosted by the Mass Media department of Don Bosco College, Kurla; where Executive Director, Father Joe Braganza, through impactful visuals at their state-of-the-art theatre, stressed on the power of the press. He equipped the new reporters with the tools essentials for journalism.
At the end of day one, Jennifer Dias, BIS correspondent from Don Bosco Nerul spoke of her experience, "The sessions have been enriching and empowering with a lot to take back to my institution."
Day two, began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by the Provincial, Father Godfrey D'Souza and Vice Provincial, Father Savio Silveira at the Crypt of the Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna.
In his Homily, Father D'Souza spoke of the importance of journalism and writing for the Salesian founder, Don Bosco: who constantly wrote about the boys in his care and the goodness he saw in them. He encouraged the correspondents to continue his legacy.
A picture indeed speaks a thousand words and participants witnessed this first-hand through the images of photojournalist, Sherwin Crasto. He explained how composition, colour and lighting can enhance a photograph.
"Media education is the need of the hour in schools," said Father Joaquim Fernandes as he encouraged the young reporters in his session on 'Media Literacy', to start media clubs in their institutions, to help youth use media effectively.
In an interactive session, veteran journalist Ashley D'Mello- former Assistant Editor, Times of India- fielded questions from BIS correspondents on writing styles, the difference in religious and secular journalism, current industry trends among others.
The day ended with group and individual hands-on training sessions, to help put into practice everything learnt at the workshop.
Brother Joyston Machado BIS Correspondent from St. Dominic Savio, Andheri said, "The workshop was informative and enriching. It paved a path towards a transition from a monotonous way of writing to a dynamic one." The workshop was organised by Tej- Prasarini, Don Bosco Communications, Mumbai.