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Why Pauline Sisters in Africa Targeted Gez Z in Digital Media Training for Evangelization

Sr. Olga Massango, presenting during the Saturday, January 25 workshop. Credit: ACI Africa

The January 26 workshop that members of the Pious Society of the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP) in Africa conducted was designed with young people in mind, organizers have shared with ACI Africa, noting that the younger generation, mainly comprised of the Generation Z (Gen Z), urgently need training on how to effectively use digital media for evangelization.

In an interview with ACI Africa following the Saturday, January 25 workshop, Sr. Olga Massango emphasized the importance of guiding the younger generation in using digital media responsibly.

“Our goal was to deepen people’s understanding of using digital media for evangelization,” Sr. Massango told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the January 25 workshop that was held on the theme, “Communicating Hope in the Digital Space”.

Sr. Olga Massango presenting during the Saturday, January 25 workshop. Credit: ACI Africa

She added, “Our first target audience was the younger generation. These are the Gen Z of today. And it is good to help them be aware of the opportunities these means offer for evangelization while forming their consciences to be cautious of the dangers mass media can pose to faith if not used well.”

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Pauline Sisters organized the January 25 workshop at their Communications Center Hall in Westlands, Nairobi to mark The Jubilee of the World of Communications.

Members of the congregation made presentations on different topics including communication and spirituality, the influence of media in today’s world, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and “communication at the crossroads”.

Credit: ACI Africa

In the January 25 interview, Sr. Massango said that the Jubilee of Communication celebrations was particularly significant to the Daughters of St. Paul, who are widely acknowledged as communicators.

The Mozambican Sister said that the event was aimed at promoting the critical use of mass media amidst the challenges presented by artificial intelligence, as well as what she described as the age of cyberbullying.

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“Artificial intelligence is being misused, especially in cruel acts like cyberbullying, where innocent people are attacked and their dignity taken away,” she said, underlining the importance of accompanying young people in understanding their place in the digital space and navigating it responsibly.

Credit: ACI Africa

Sr. Massango expressed satisfaction with the workshop’s impact on the participants, saying, “There is still much to be done, such as creating a forum to unite Catholic journalists and media practitioners to help them remain relevant and impactful in their messaging.”

She emphasized the need for interaction among Catholic and secular media practitioners to break stereotypes about the Catholic Church’s doctrines and teachings and foster understanding.

“There was a time in Kenya when World Communication Day brought lay communicators together for reflection and interaction. Such interactions are crucial in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices,” she said.

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Credit: ACI Africa

She urged Catholic communicators to embrace their wealth of social doctrine, liturgy, and catechesis to foster understanding and enrich their contributions to society.

Also speaking to ACI Africa, Sr. Gentrix Nasirumbi Baraza spoke on the dual impact of social media, saying, “Social media has many challenges, such as the misinterpretation of information and the tendency to focus on followers rather than meaningful content.”

Sr. Gentrix Nasirumbi Baraza. Credit: ACI Africa

Sr. Nasirumbi, who is pursuing her studies as a theology student at Kenya’s Tangaza University (TU), emphasized the need to align digital content with Christian values and cultural sensitivities.

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Sharing her experience on the TikTok platform, the Kenyan FSP member urged Catholic communicators to be versed with the knowledge of the Catholic faith to be able to defend it on social media.

 “I share catechism in Kiswahili. When I faced an attack on my faith, I responded using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which helped resolve the situation and even sparked further discussions,” she said, urging Catholic communicators to live their faith rather than just communicating it.

Credit: ACI Africa

Sr. Nasirumbi encouraged Catholic communicators to “embrace social media and let people experience God in the digital space,” adding that authenticity in communication begins with living out the faith.

Godwin Odira Ochieng’, a journalist from Radio Maria, Nairobi who participated in the workshop lauded the facilitators of the event saying, “As communicators, we have learned a lot, especially about our role in ensuring we communicate ethically and responsibly to pass on the truthful message of God to the people.”

Godwin Odira Ochieng (in white t-shirt). Credit: ACI Africa

Mr. Godwin, who is Radio Maria’s Editorial Assistant in Nairobi, reflected on the ethical responsibilities of Catholic communicators, particularly in addressing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

“We need more sessions like this that align with global changes, especially regarding AI's impact on society, and its implications on vocations,” he said, highlighting the importance of discerning the signs of the times to guide the Church and society effectively.

Lucy Wangare Kamau, a communication agent from St. Clare Parish of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), said, “Effective communication is essential, especially in addressing weakened relationships caused by excessive technology use. I plan to start reversing this trend within my family.

Lucy Wangare Kamau, a communication agent from St. Clare Parish of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN). Credit: ACI Africa

Ms. Wangare decried the growing tendency among young children, as early as five years old, who she said often form friendships online while lacking meaningful connections with their siblings and family members.

“I recommend more workshops like this to help us learn how to be effective communicators, especially in addressing negativity on social media,” she said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.