Digital Discipleship Workshop Strengthens Voices Against Human Trafficking And For Safe Migration

National level Capacity Building through Social Media and Communication Skills

3rd -  6th September 2025

A two-day national workshop titled “Digital Discipleship: Telling Our Stories with Heart, Skill & Vision” was held at the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, Premnagar, Bajjodi, Mangaluru, Karnataka from 3 to 6 September 2025,  to empower members of Amrat Talitha Kum India, a network committed to fighting human trafficking and promoting safe migration.

41 members of Amrat Talitha Kum India of 28 Congregations 10 States attended the training session, organised by Amrat Talitha Kum India and Sandesha Foundation.  The program equipped participants with essential skills in digital communication, reporting, photography, video production, and ethical use of emerging AI tools.

Objectives:

●      The workshop went beyond technical training to strengthen the mission of advocacy.

●      It focused on telling the untold stories of survivors and shedding light on hidden exploitation.

●      “Digital Discipleship” called participants to use media with heart, skill, and vision.

●      The ultimate goal was to serve dignity, justice, and human rights through responsible communication.

Participants:The program was held in two batches, drawing participants from across India:

●      First Batch: 20 members from Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh,  Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Maharashtra.

●      Second Batch: 21 members from Odisha, AP-Telangana, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat.

This diverse representation highlighted the nationwide commitment of the Amrat Talitha Kum network in the fight against human trafficking.

Inaugural & Spiritual Foundation:  The workshop opened with a prayer, lighting of the lamp, and an inspirational address by Sr. Jyoti BS. Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, Director of Sandesha Foundation, welcomed participants and presented the objectives of the training. Each day began with moments of prayer and reflection, rooting communication efforts in a spirit of mission and gratitude.

Resource Persons: The sessions were led by three eminent media professionals and pastoral leaders:

●      Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, Director, Sandesha Foundation – sessions on reporting, writing, and ethics and cyber protection

●      Fr. Edwin Vas SVD, Assistant Parish Priest, Sacred Hearts Church, Andheri East, Mumbai – sessions on photography and videography.Fr. Sunil Isac Thazhekattil, PRO and Media Director, Diocese of Belthangady – sessions on visual design, scriptwriting, and AI tools for faith media and ministries.

Day One: Empowering the Eye and the Pen:

Participants explored:

●      Essentials of reporting for Church and secular media.

●      Photography techniques using both smartphones and cameras, with hands-on practice.

●      Creative digital design with Canva and Photoshop to produce posters and flyers.

●      Scriptwriting for short videos and reels, including a one-minute piece on Amrat Talitha Kum’s vision and mission.

Day Two: From Insight to Innovation: The second day focused on:

●      Videography basics—shooting, interviews, voiceovers, and short group projects.

●      AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Whisper, and Canva AI, with emphasis on ethical and responsible use in ministry.

●      Cybersecurity and digital ethics, exploring Church documents and responsible communication.

Project showcase, where participants presented reports, posters, photos, and videos created during the workshop.The workshop concluded with a valedictory session marked by reflective and thanksgiving prayers, setting a tone of gratitude for the shared learning and fellowship. Each participant took time to express their insights, key takeaways, and suggestions from the two days of intensive training, highlighting how the sessions had deepened both their technical skills and their sense of mission. The event culminated in the distribution of certificates, formally commissioning the participants as “Media Disciples” equipped to carry forward the message of dignity, justice, and human rights through the power of digital communication.

Key takeaways:

●      Facilitators emphasized that digital skills are instruments for mission, not just tools.

●      Participants learned to report effectively and give voice to important issues.

●      They practiced capturing powerful images that tell stories beyond words.

●      Training included designing compelling visuals for awareness and advocacy.

●      Participants created meaningful videos to move hearts and convey messages.

●      The overall goal: to amplify advocacy, shape public opinion, and carry the Gospel message into the digital continent.

Conclusion:  The “Digital Discipleship” workshop marked a significant step in capacity building for frontline workers against human trafficking. By combining faith, technology, and creativity, the program empowered participants to communicate with authenticity, responsibility, and vision—giving voice to the voiceless and strengthening the shared mission of justice and dignity.

Reported by: 

Sr Jyoti Pinto BS,  Kripanjali Tellis Nayak

7/9/2025

Mangalore