Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 7: A four-day national workshop, conducted in two groups, on social media and communication skills for members of Amrat Talitha Kum India (AMRAT) concluded on SEptember 6 at Sandesha Foundation. The training was focused on enhancing creativity, practical learning, and mission-driven communication.
Participants came from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. All of them are actively engaged in grassroots efforts to combat human trafficking and to promote safe and dignified migration.
The program was inaugurated by Sr Jyothi B S, national coordinator of AMRAT, who urged participants to use social media ‘responsibly and innovatively’ to highlight the struggles of vulnerable communities and strengthen advocacy for human rights.
Fr Sudeep Paul MSFS, director of Sandesha Foundation, delivered the orientation. He reminded participants that media, when used thoughtfully, becomes ‘a pathway for awareness, advocacy, and social transformation.’
Training sessions
The sessions were led by Fr Sudeep Paul MSFS, Fr Edwin Vaz SVD, and Fr Sunil, and blended theory with hands-on practice. Participants were introduced to a wide spectrum of tools and techniques, including:
• Digital storytelling and reporting – Learning how to document field experiences with clarity, empathy, and accuracy.
• Photography and videography – Mastering camera and mobile phone techniques to capture stories visually, with lessons on framing, lighting, and editing.
• Poster and flyer design – Practical training on user-friendly platforms like Canva and Photoshop to create impactful visuals for campaigns and awareness drives.
• Scriptwriting and short reels – Exploring how to plan, script, and execute short-format videos that connect with online audiences.
• AI tools in communication – Experimenting with emerging digital tools for design, content generation, and media production to enhance reach and effectiveness.
• Cyber security and ethical media practices – Equipping participants with the knowledge to protect digital data, ensure privacy, and follow responsible guidelines while using online platforms.
The workshop emphasized practice-based learning. Participants produced news reports, designed posters and flyers, created short videos and reels, and even experimented with AI-powered applications. A creative showcase at the end allowed participants to present their outputs, demonstrating how technical skills could be effectively adapted to their grassroots mission.
Valedictory highlights
In his valedictory message, Fr Sudeep Paul stressed that the training was not only about acquiring technical skills but also about strengthening conviction and purpose.
“Your pen, your camera, your smartphone—these are instruments to give voice to the voiceless, expose hidden realities, build awareness, and inspire action,” he told the sisters. He encouraged participants to see themselves as communicators of change and to use digital platforms with confidence and creativity.
Impact
The workshop concluded with a commissioning ceremony, symbolically affirming the participants as responsible communicators and advocates.
The sisters returned to their respective states with renewed energy, enhanced skills, and a stronger sense of mission—ready to use media as a tool for empowerment, awareness, and social change in their fight against human trafficking.