The course spanned over a period of ten days, attracting delegates from multiple countries, with Cambodia serving as the host country. Following Cambodia, delegates also come from Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Mongolia also participated. Throughout the duration of the program, I felt immensely privileged and proud to have been chosen as a delegate representing my beloved country, Indonesia. This experience allowed me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fostering a collaborative environment where we could learn and exchange knowledge with one another.

During the course, we, as delegates, engaged in networking activities with fellow participants, establishing lasting relationships centered around the theme of listening dialogues. The focus was on exploring how Indigenous Peoples can contribute to society and the importance of effective collaboration between the church and indigenous communities in order to cultivate a harmonious existence. It was not merely a theoretical discussion; rather, we were actively involved in practical workshops and exercises that encompassed various aspects of media production, such as scripting, cinematography, editing, and sound design.

What made this experience truly remarkable was the absence of any sense of burden associated with the course material or classes. In between activities, we were provided with opportunities to relax and indulge in activities that brought joy and peace to our hearts and minds, such as drawing on walls or enjoying a brief respite on the beach. Additionally, I was delighted to discover that the program also included a day dedicated to exploring Cambodia, allowing us to learn more about the country while simultaneously expanding our knowledge.

“In my opinion, activities, programs, and courses like this hold immense value. They provide a platform for acquiring invaluable knowledge about the diverse cultures, races, and traditions that exist across the globe. I sincerely hope that such programs continue to be organized, enabling young individuals like myself to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for our differences, while fostering respect for one another. Furthermore, I am grateful for the friendships I formed during this experience, as they have become an extension of my own family.” Indah M Dame, participant, from Indonesia

“This media short course on Indigenous Peoples was more than just an academic endeavor; it was a journey of personal and collective growth. It fostered me a deep sense of connection among participants, with the cultures we were introduced to, and with the broader narratives of human and environmental interconnectedness. This experience has imbued my work with a greater sense of purpose and responsibility, shaping my approach to media and storytelling in profound ways.” – Supriya Lama, Nepal

“I had one of the most astounding experiences on aboriginal life of indigenous people. Don Bosco Media Communication Center itself was a profound example for preservation of natural heritage for different species. It is also the ample space for climate resilience. Each delegate was given space to express their culture through dance, song and other forms of art which allowed us to witness cultural variance. Media short course was tangled around video editing, song recording and creating our own cultural representation wall. The mixed interactive approach was highly emphasized during the short course. Apart from this, I really appreciate the simplicity and friendly personality of people.” Suman Ghale, Nepal