SIGNIS x PSPF: promoting the use of media for a culture of peace

Promotes the use of media for a culture of peace with the support of 2022

Every year, SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, screens project applications on media training, equipment, and production for a subsidy from the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF).

In 2020, SIGNIS launched the signisprojectapplication.net online portal, successfully switching from a paper-based to a fully digital application process and making it easier for applicants from all over the world to submit their projects

Ever since SIGNIS started this collaboration with the PSPF, hundreds of grants have been received by subsidiaries from every corner of the world. The realization of these projects supports evangelization and promotes a culture of peace through the media by training communicators in skills like journalism, broadcasting, and scripting, while also building the necessary infrastructures to host communication and media centers, and improving the already-existing facilities in the case of radio or television studios.

The impact of these actions reaches thousands of people. By browsing through these pages you will get a glimpse of how much these projects really improve their lives: youth, women, vulnerable groups, and those who are generally left out, find a voice thanks to the passion of their leaders, and the subsidies of the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith.

Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith

SIGNIS, World Catholic Association for Communication

CABO DELGADO

MOZAMBIQUE

Radio Sans Frontières: community building in a war-torn area

Radio Sans Frontières: community and peace building | Mozambique

In 2020, we received a project to help support the development of Radio Sans Frontières in the diocese of Pemba, Mozambique In this interview, Father Fonseca Kwiriwi, CP, explains how vital the funds are for the radio and its crucial role, especially in a period of crisis and conflict in their province of Cabo Delgado.

Could you tell us more about the human impact the project will have on the community?

Radio Sans Frontières is a radio station from the province of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique. The region has been ravaged by a war that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and caused the displacement of 730,000 people and about three deaths Supporting the radio means boosting communication in the area, as the radio offers training and information programs that contribute to human capital development.

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

Implementing the project from beginning to end will have a significant impact on the province. It will allow us to reap positive results by changing behaviours and promoting citizen participation The spiritual and religious dimension of the project will be greater conversion to God

What can you tell us about the community where the project will take place?

The diocese of Pemba covers the entire province of Cabo Delgado, northern Mozambique, with more than 350,000 Christians and a population of 2,600,000. bout 80% of the population lives in extreme poverty The extreme poverty in the diocese makes it challenging to build adequate parishes and chapels

Access to the Internet and television is limited, and in fact, they are only available in the city of Pemba and some district headquarters

Is there a specific story that you recall from these last years working at the radio?

Yes In more than three years of war, we reported testimonies from women who escaped from the terrorists One of them showed up in Pemba after a week of walking in the forests of Cabo Delgado with her baby on her lap. When she arrived in Pemba, tired and with her feet wounded, she was assisted by some solidarity people, and Caritas Pemba helped her with food kits, hygiene material and accommodation

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

Because the radio carries out relevant pastoral, social and political action. The project benefits not only the diocese of Pemba and the province of Cabo Delgado but also the country, as the web radio is accessible to all and not limited to 102 1 FM waves Getting annual support allows for broader radio coverage as well as better training and maintenance of radio equipment. We are very grateful for the support we received so far.

Published on 15/06/21

DIOCESE OF EMBU

KENYA

Training Kimuri Radio's journalists to support the community

In 2020, the Diocese of Embu applied to further develop their local radio station, Kimuri Radio, through the purchase of audiovisual equipment In this interview, Fr James Nthiga Gatiti gives us more insights into how the subsidies have helped them so far and how they intend to use the new funds and support the radio carry out its mission: to bring the message of the Gospel to the local population

Could you tell us more about the human impact the project will have on the community?

The Kimuri radio team will be trained on journalism and production to inform the community better and empower community members through educational, moral, spiritual and economic messages We will also create information centres Finally, we will make materials available to non-formal education groups

What can you tell us about the community where the project will take place?

Embu is a cosmopolitan county inhabited by Aembu, Ambeere and people from other ethnic groups like Akamba and Kikuyu mostly living within the towns The Diocese sponsors 186 schools, owns Consolata Hospital Kyeni and more than ten other functioning parish dispensaries

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

The project will contribute to achieving peaceful co-existence and mutual support among the community members by being an avenue for addressing vital issues The community will also stand a chance of understanding the issues affecting their social, political, cultural, economic development aspirations in their diverse forms.

What are the main objectives of this project?

Due to the diverse and varying social, political, and economic factors, the Diocese requires well-informed people who should be given an enabling environment. Through training of the staff and parish communication agents, Kimuri Radio will address these needs.

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

Financial self-supporting has become a priority in the entire AMECEA Bishops’ resolution, as evidenced in their 18th and 19th plenary Assemblies Kimuri Radio is striving for that aspect.

Published on 30/06/21

Training Kimuri Radio's journalists to support the community | Kenya

NAKHON SAWAN

THAILAND

Training the Youth on Social Media usage

Training the Youth on Social Media Usage | Thailand

In 2020, the Diocese of Nakhon Sawan in Thailand sent us a project proposal for a sixday training programme on social media usage targeted at young people In this interview, Fr. Thomas Thossapon Narinruk tells us more about how the programme teaches the youth media literacy skills and help them gain knowledge on the dangers of social media and misinformation.

Could you tell us more about the human impact the project will have on the community?

The project raises the awareness of young people by showing them how spreading fake news can harm others. Most of the time, young people are only interested in using social media for entertainment, consuming content, and bullying

What can you tell us about the community where the project will take place?

The community is located in the Diocese of Nakhon Sawan, which covers the upper central part of Thailand The project will run activities for 2,500 students from five Catholic schools in five provinces: Nakon Sawan, Petchabun, Phitsanulok, Lopburi, and Uttaradit. There is a diversity of students and teachers from different beliefs, culture, language, and social classes

What are the main objectives of this project?

We see that young people are stuck to social media, especially when it comes to games, entertainment, beauty content, and bullying, which may hurt the bullied person We also see that they lack some ethics regarding how they ought to live their lives The Thai education system seems to lack the process of instilling actual core values of life in young people, and Catholic schools must take over this task.

Is there an anecdote you recall from these last months?

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

Schools participating in the training programme will be able to set up regulations for students on how to use social media in correct ways, such as choosing the right channel, managing the time spent on social media

As Catholics, having social media expertise or a good understanding of social media and its effects has made a difference in how we communicate with the young generation. They also come to realise our goals, hopes and good wishes for them.

One day, a male student of grade 5 has come up to Fr. Ongart Kaeser, the key organiser and resource person, and told him: “Father, now I know so from now on I will change myself I will only play the game within a limited period of each day I will take care of my health so that I can get good grades in my studies ”

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

The project allows us to manifest what ordinary people need right now and provide knowledge and up-to-date information on social media This is also important as social media has been a great tool during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social media can also be used for sharing words of encouragement, motivation, and inspiration

Published on 30/06/21

DIOCESE OF PYAY

Training the Youth to become Peacebuilders

Training the Youth to become Peacebuilders | Myanmar

In 2020, we received a project request for a five-day training programme on media awareness from the Diocese of Pyay in Myanmar. In this interview, Fr. Mariano Hla Ko tells us more about how the programme will help young people understand and share the importance of mass media, media etiquette, and media ethics

Could you tell us more about the human impact the project will have on the community?

As we all know, in our country these days, human rights are neglected, media laws are disregarded, and so forth Participants in the training programme can define and relate to the basics of all forms of media, media laws and ethics, identify varied forms of new media communication, and recognize new media as a way of life and impart it to their neighbours. The project is urgently needed to solve the current harmful situation

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

The training programme will create useful media resources to serve the community in our diocese and region. In addition, the role, teachings and activities of the Catholic Church will be promoted Media communication in our diocese is still behind that of the other dioceses in the country To get the news from every parish in time, we need many journalists among our youths.

What can you tell us about the community where the project will take place?

Our diocese is divided into two parts: the riverine section, and the maritime section The project will be taking place at St. Paul’s intermediate Seminary in Pyay, for several reasons: there is a big building with enough electricity and water supply; it is close to the Bishop’s house and the diocesan centre; and lastly, transportation would be the best for the attendants

What are the main objectives of this project?

My objectives are to proclaim the good news, witness our Holy, One and Apostolic Catholic Church, and train the youth and personnel on media subjects (such as writing, broadcasting, or multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, blogs, etc ) Those who are undergoing the training can become media professionals and media producers In the past, we only offered media awareness courses. Now, I plan to provide an introductory course.

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

As a developing country and knowing the difficulties mentioned above, without POF help, we could not help our youth promote peacebuilding by using the media. As we all know, nowadays, the media is the most effective weapon both for peacebuilders and war creators. If we cannot teach our youth the ethics and importance of trustworthy media, conflicts and fake news may destroy our country, communities and human societies. Guiding our new generations not to be war creators but to be peacebuilders by using the media is, nowadays, vital.

Published on 13/07/21

KENYA MOMBASA

Producing educational programs and sharing stories of hope | Kenya

In 2018, the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya, had received subsidies to train parish communication agents on media platforms, including radio Last year, they applied for subsidies once more, now hoping to receive support for the production of audiovisual programs and further training of communication agents in their work In this interview, Fr Raphael Kanga tells us more about the work of their communication office, Lwanga Communication, and how radio and video productions will help educate people on peace-building initiatives, children's rights, substance abuse and human trafficking, among others.

Could you tell us more about the project's human impact on your community?

We plan to produce several educative programs on psychosocial counselling to families, especially during these COVID-19 hard times. We will create programs and videos to empower our people on psychosocial health, deepen the love for their Diocese, and address faith issues

What can you tell us about the community where the project took place?

The Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa is situated in the Coastal part of Kenya and serves the four counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta. Our Radio Tumaini broadcasts in the Swahili language - the majority language of Mombasa people

What are the main objectives of this project?

We want to provide platforms where the voice of God is communicated by His shepherds and other mandated authorities in the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa and reach its diverse audience

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

With the support from SIGNIS and POF, we will reach a great audience and impact them easily on current issues We anticipate that by making several programs, we will also take care of those who cannot go to church based on their age or health or other possible reasons

What are you the most grateful to SIGNIS for?

With the support of SIGNIS, we were able o train the parish communication agents, who have continued to bring us stories rom the parishes as told on our rchdiocesan website. The radio equipment we received at the initial stages of our radio has enabled us to continue to host relevant radio shows and programs or our audience.

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

The POF office, through SIGNIS, supports the mission work of the Church and evangelization, especially in many struggling parts of our world. It's essential to have the support of communication projects to continue with the same Mission of Christ

Published on 19/07/21

INDIA TELANGANA

Raising awareness on gender discrimination

Raising awareness on gender discrimination | India

In 2020, we received a proposal from the Amruthavani Communications Centre in Telangana, India, to produce a series of episodes on gender discrimination and sexselective abortion In this interview, Fr Udumala Balashowry M F A tells us more about how the program will raise awareness of these issues, emphasizing that all girls deserve respect and dignity as children of God

Could you tell us more about the human impact the project will have on the community?

The project aims to bring awareness to the issue of inhuman treatment of girls and stop the brutal way of killing the girl child. It will allow the girl child to have equal opportunity for life and growth and bring about a cultural change in people's mindset to realize that all children are equal. It will bridge the gap between the female and male ratio and put an end to gender elimination

How do you see the situation in your community once the project is implemented?

In addition to the impact mentioned above, change begins at home and in small ways. This project will act as a catalyst for changing people's mindsets gradually in the context of male chauvinism.

What can you tell us about the community where the project is taking place?

The community is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Southern India The project is specifically geared towards bringing awareness among women and empowering them for equal rights and dignity of life

It aims to bring awareness among the rural areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where culturally, people think males are superior to females. The Telugu Catholic Bishops' Council promotes the dignity of life and strives to end systematic gender elimination in India.

What are your main objectives in this project?

In addition to the above, our mains objectives are to reduce the gap between the female and male population and raise consciousness about sex-selective abortion and gender discrimination

Are there any specific stories that you recall from these last years?

Yes Several methods are employed to kill the newborn girls Children are fed milk mixed with the sap from poisonous plants or pesticides, fed salt to increase their blood pressure, or are stuffed in clay pots. Sometimes, they put the husk of the paddy in the baby's throat that slits the throat instantly, and the baby bleeds to death. Our hope is that, through our projects and raising awareness, we will contribute to putting an end to these terrible injustices and acts.

Why do you think PSPF should continue to support these types of projects?

In the last ten years, around 50 million female babies were killed due to systematic gender elimination and the cultural mindset Media can play a crucial role in changing the mindset of people, fostering human values, and raising the social consciousness for equal rights

Published on 26/07/21

PORT MORESBY

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Young students spread hope through media

Young students spread hope through media | Papua New Guinea

LIn 2020, Fr Ambrose Pereira from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea sent SIGNIS a proposal to purchase audiovisual equipment to help carry out a media education seminar for students from secondary Catholic schools in Port Moresby. In this interview, he explains how such seminars encourage young people to be creative with their talents and skills and positively influence others

What is the human impact the project had on your community?

We carried out the seminar during the pandemic on the theme "Hope amidst COVID-19". This greatly benefited the students - without the seminar, they would have little possibility of reflecting on the situation and sharing their findings with their companions After attending the seminar, the participants grasped that a positive message of hope needed to be sent out They were also able to understand that each one had to believe in what they produced and live it out in their lives. Only then will their message have its desired impact.

What can you share about the community where the project took place?

The project was carried out in Port Moresby as well as in other parts of Papua New Guinea, that lack basic necessities and

What were your main goal with this project?

We wanted to teach participants to develop critical thinking in the media and be creative when producing positive content to inspire others. They learned that the media is a communication method that can be used to inform, educate, entertain, and above all, inspire people

Why should PSPF continue to support these types of projects?

The Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith plays an essential part in this process by supporting the project financially And we must keep carrying it out as it contributes to shaping the hearts and minds of young people

Published on 15/10/21

SOUTH KOREA SEOUL

Using video-storytelling to promote our World Congress | South Korea

Every four years, members of SIGNIS from across the globe gather in a World Congress, a chance to renew and reinvigorate their relationships as they meet together face-to-face, explore common themes, share experiences and are challenged to respond to the changes in society and the media

The first SIGNIS Congress was held in Rome in 2001, to be followed by Lyon (2005), Chiang Mai (2009), Rome (2014) and Québec (2017). In 2018, during their annual meeting, the Board of Directo a.

When it ower of video storytelling and create engaging stories of hope and faith. With the support of the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF), they produced three videos to tell the story of their country and the Korean Catholic Church. With beautiful imagery and voices to create a complete narrative, the videos take the viewer on a journey through history and the 237 years of the Korean Catholic Church, and through the role of the Catholic association: taking care of the ever-changing media of Korea, and by doing so, spreading the Good News to the world

Watch the videos

Published on 19/10/21

SIGNIS World Congress and SIGNIS Korea

History of the Korean Catholic Church

Korea's first priest, Andrew Kim

VITI LEVU &VANUA LEVU

FIJI

Media training for female empowerment

Media training for female empowerment | Fiji

Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands located in the Pacific. It counts with almost a million inhabitants, and it is one of the most developed countries in the region Nevertheless, there are still destitute people who rely on the support of the Church to have better living conditions.

The Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART) was established in 1970 by the Fiji Council of Churches It is a charitable organization that was initially formed to provide shelter for the destitute in the country HART has communities and settlements across the two main islands (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) and provides assistance to more than 850 families per year Its main focus is to help and empower women with children, and among its services, they offer care-giving services for the elderly and people with special needs and they educate the public on their responsibility towards their community members.

For the latter, HART partnered with SIGNIS, and with the subsidies obtained from the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF), it was possible to train women and children about how to harness the power of communication.

Through a series of workshops and training sessions, the participants were able to learn about citizen journalism and gain media literacy, as they strengthened their knowledge of how to be critical, and analytical, and how to use the media creatively. In addition, the female participants were able to understand better their rights and power as women, and they’re now able to teach their children about the advantages and disadvantages of the media gadgets they are close to The children are now more confident in using computers and phones and know that those are tools that can assist them with their education

Projects like this, allow people to communicate effectively with others, access

Published on 25/10/21

relevant and updated information, discern between facts, opinions, truth, and sensationalism, and gain confidence to use media technology to raise visibility about their life and issues of concern

For Harieta Sumasafu, a community leader that participated in the Media Education programme, the training taught her “to be a confident woman ” , leading her to help others too Since the workshop, she has helped in organizing events that promote women ’ s talents and now confidently approaches organizations for different opportunities. Furthermore, Harieta shares: “I am so grateful for the workshop that I was privileged to participate in because it has taught me a lot about the media, how to be aware of the dangers and to take advantage of the opportunities that it offers us ”

Participant Mrs. Racheal Ligairi, shares that the media workshop that followed was “ very helpful but also challenging” She now understands the different modes of communication and believes that this workshop has broadened her mind

Whereas 74-old Vika wanted to learn something new even if she felt limited because she did not know much about the “ new equipment that is used for communicating” Now Vika sells jam and advertises it using her cell phone, from which she also listens to the local news and stays informed on what is happening out around Fiji.

The workshops and training given by SIGNIS created opportunities and spaces for women, youths, and community leaders to share their stories, information, activities, news, and build understanding among different races, faiths, abilities, and generations in Fiji. Their implementation builds confidence in the participants, encourages them to express themselves through the media, and teaches them about the infinite possibilities and benefits of not only having access to communication but also knowing how to harness its power.

DIOCESE OF MZUZU

MALAWI

Reaching remote areas through radio

Reaching remote areas through radio | Malawi

Fr. Paul Odie Chirwa, communicati coordinator of the Diocese of Mzuzu Malawi, tells us more about their local Rad Tigabane and how the funds helped the support its development and audien reach.

Could you tell us more about the project's human impact on your community?

Our project covers a vast area Many people are interested in listening to the radio because of various activities. Now communities know what is happening pastorally and socially, and their lives are knowledgeable.

How has the situation in your community improved once you implemented the project?

The project plays an essential role in our large Diocese, and we rely on parish correspondents to share information with our people There are many benefits in various areas: parish activities, spiritual inputs, business advertising and other national activities of interest.

What can you tell us about the community where the project took place?

The project takes place in 18 parishes covering 27,378 Km2 through parish correspondents and covers pastoral events, commissions and bishop activities There are about 450,000 Catholics in the area and three main tribes: Tumbuka, Ngonde and Tonga Most of our ancestral items and ideologies are fading away with modern influence

Published on 21/02/22

What were your main objectives with this project?

We wanted to train parish and institution correspondents and journalists to provide the latest relevant information or events through Radio Tigabane, the diocesan website and mobile phones. Our goal is to involve all parishes and diocesan institutions by using the radio as the most accessible communication channel to the remotest places.

Is there an anecdote you recall from these last three months?

We gave free mobile phones to 18 parishes when one parish correspondent asked us: "What about airtime and bundles for data?" Also, we should not take for granted that all young people know how to use WhatsApp, as one confessed that he should be taught how to use it So we laughed, and at the same time, sympathized with him!

Why should PSPF continue to support these types of projects?

Putting the Diocese on media platforms encourages community participation and inspires parishes to support our radio financially and morally. Unfortunately, people in our Diocese lacked information and community involvement for a long time Now, they all have easy access to the latest news, primarily through the radio, and benefit from it both spiritually and socially!

ZAMBIA LUSAKA

Communicating the Catholic faith through TV

Communicating the Catholic faith through TV | Zambia

In 2019 the Zambia Episcopal Conference launched a television-broadcasting project called Lumen TV-Z with the financial support of the Italian Catholic Bishops Conference, hoping to "promote human dignity and relevant programmes for the integral evangelisation and development of the Zambian society”. In 2020, Fr. Winfield Kunda led a funding project to purchase studio equipment after receiving subsidies from the Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith (PSPF) through SIGNIS Below, he explains how the equipment received helped the broadcasting station in its efforts to promote human dignity by communicating the Catholic faith

Could you tell us more about the project's human impact on your community?

Viewers of Lumen TV can now watch programmes such as the celebration of mass from different locations outside the studios In this COVID-19 pandemic, Lumen TV Zambia viewers have been nourished spiritually from the spiritual programmes we produced using the equipment bought

What can you tell us about the community where the project took place?

Lumen TV-Z is broadcasting in the Lusaka province, the capital city of Zambia, and its surrounding areas It is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse community from different backgrounds. The official language spoken is English though Nyanja, a local dialect of the language from the Eastern Province of Zambia, is also used. There are an estimated 1 5 million Catholics in the province The economy of Zambia fell into a deep recession following the COVID–19 pandemic.

What were your main objectives with this project?

Our main objective was to capture and broadcast content on the spot, such as ordination masses, religious professionals, and other functions outside of the studios. In the past, we had to go out, record, and then come back to the studio to edit the materials, which meant we could only broadcast content that was already stale.

Is there an anecdote you recall from these last three months?

When implementing the project, we needed to train our staff on using the equipment. With the support from people who had the necessary expertise, we managed to start using it accordingly

Why should PSPF continue to support these types of projects?

Catholic Media apostolate is still growing in Zambia, and the support for media is vital for the Church's evangelisation efforts. The funding also helps us establish our presence as Catholics on media platforms Evangelicals and protestants have invested heavily in audio and visual evangelism on TV, radio and social media and are way more present than us Catholics Ultimately, the funds received contribute to having Catholics counteracting the Christian fundamentalism and proselytism that come from these sources

Published on 31/03/22