Journalism helps in course writing

When I was selected to do Journalism in UPNG in 1985 I thought I would spend the rest of my life as a reporter in some of the newspapers. Being a son of a teacher, I also thought of being a teacher as well. However my English teacher at Sogeri National High School encouraged me to take up journalism. At that time I was the editor of a literary magazine writing poems and collecting articles from students.

So I applied to do Journalism and was accepted. After a four years with Niugini Nius until it folded and went into liquidation. I then joined the Bible Society as the Distribution Officer but also wrote newsletters and sent in prayer requests to the Asia Pacific headquarters. Most of the prayer points were used in the Bible Society publications.

From 1987 till now I have worked in several newspapers and another Bible translation organisation as a media coordinator. I also did some part-time work with an employment agency doing visas, work permits not knowing that such skills were preparing me for the role of the Registrar of CLTC from 2000-2004. I wrote the College's magazine for former students and the college newsletter.

Then at the end of 2004 I was transferred to the Distance Theological Education department as the Assistant Dean. In this job I have editted, checked, proof read course notes in English and Tok Pisin. Certainly my journalism training has really been put into good use.

I have just completed a course on leadership and will be continue to format a Tok Pisin course. Here at CLTC I have also taught journalism to students especially print media. I have helped in making brochures for special events as well.

So all of you scribes there be thankful for your training and do not be surprised that if you end up somewhere your journalist skills will be greatly needed.

That's all for now

Just cruising-photos from a visit to UK in 1991

Keeping Diaries

This year I received my 2009 diary in March. This was because the lady who was supposed to give us the diaries went on leave. For the last two months I kept writing down things on paper. I even bought a note book to write "things to do".

Well, I am not use to writing down tasks on any book. It was quite hard for me. Now that I have got a diary, I feel more organised. I can write down dates for deadlines for assignments and other events that I want to attend.

There was a diary in the email but I am used to writing down things on a diary. I only used the in-built diary in the computer when I feel like doing it.

Em t'sol

Happy writing

Good to remember recipees.

 

Melanesians never had recipes and they just cooked their meals according to what they knew was right for those that they had invited. Pictured here are people at my daughter, Hephzibah’s birthday party which was held on 17.01.09. It was two days earlier.

We decided to make something simple and delicious.

More Melanesian theological books needed

For the last few weeks I have been studying salvation as part of my Bachelor of Theology course. We were given an assignment to write about salvation in the Bible and in Melanesian culture. To my dismay there were very few books written on the topic.

This means that I have to think back to my culture and write up something about it. It is good that the Melanesian Institute has done so much research and written on some of the topics. Books such as Catalyst, Point and Umben provide a valuable service to theological students.

The books written by Melanesian Institute provide good materials when it comes to writing essays, assignments and thesis. The thoughts are useful and opens up the minds of students who have forgotten their culture.

So all the intellectuals out there, you need to write and share openly about what is on your mind.

em t'sol TK

Calling on theologians

The Distance Theological Education section of the Theological Departments needs course writers. There is a great need for Melanesians tp start write writing Theological Education by Extension (TEE) courses.
In some countries these TEE courses also include themes such as health, first aid, community development. The courses are offered at Diploma, certificate and at Masters level as well. In India TEE courses are offered at Master's level and the award is called Master in Theological Studies (MTS). They also offer Bachelor of Theological Studies (BTS).
As for developed countries, they have online schools and provide their lessons through correspondence, through CDs and through the email. This is something that our people in PNG and all Melanesian countries need to do so that we can develop our home grown TEE materials.
Since TEE was developed 33 years ago courses are still offered at certificate level. We need to have big dreams and pursue them. We can do it when we have the faith to do something new.

Melanesian Journal of Theology

Melanesian Journal of Theology (MJT) published by CLTC is a journal worth reading. Since there are not many books, comentaries and encyclopaedias about Melanesian theology, MJT is so helpful. Non Melanesians also contribute articles.

When students are given assignments based on Melanesian thinking, MTJ proves to be useful and helpful.

For further details contact deanofstudies@cltc.ac.pg

Thanks

Tim Kwara
CLTC