The Divine Word University Communication Arts (Journalism) Department marked World Media Freedom Day on Friday, 1st May 2026, by delivering a coordinated awareness program across seven schools in Madang town, focusing on the importance of press freedom, human rights, development, and security.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” the department extended its outreach beyond the university campus, taking the message directly into primary and secondary schools to engage young students and raise awareness of the role of media in society.

The initiative was a student-led activity, spearheaded by the third-year Communication Arts (Journalism) students, with all year levels participating in the program, supported by lecturers and tutors from the department.

This outreach saw students visit seven schools in Madang’s urban area including Kusbau Primary School, Tusbab Secondary School, Madang Christian Academy, Mercy Learning Academy, Madang International School, Lutheran Day School, and Holy Spirit Primary School.

The students had the opportunity to deliver sessions designed to simplify the concept of media freedom and its importance, encouraging participants to understand how responsible journalism supports peaceful and informed communities.

The program’s core objective was to make media literacy accessible and engaging, through team-based activities, interactive games, and student-performed skits.

These activities helped to translate complex ideas about press freedom into relatable scenarios.

Morning sessions began at 9:30AM at the participating schools along with activities which included team icebreakers, an introduction to the theme, and discussions on the role of media in society.

Students actively engaged in the program, while schools that opted for afternoon sessions concluded at 3:30PM.