Sarina Youth Learn The Ins And Outs Of Media

Sarina Youth Centre students are gaining hands-on media skills through the SYC Create program, learning photography, videography and storytelling in a 10-week creative initiative. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Young people are discovering the power of media through a hands-on program designed to introduce them to the world of visual storytelling.

The SYC Create program is a ten-week initiative that teaches young people the basics of videography and photography while encouraging friendships and confidence.

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Youth Development Officer PJ Burridge said the program was designed to give participants a practical introduction to creating their own visual content and using editing software, so they can begin producing their own projects.

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“We’re running a ten-week program called SYC (Sarina Youth Centre) Create which gives younger people the basics of videography and photography, learn how to use cameras, a little bit of technology and how to do some editing,” she said.

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Youth Worker Joshua Myers said learning creative skills remained important for young people, particularly as technology continues to evolve.

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“I really do think it’s important for students to learn these skills, especially with the age of AI, because it’s such a useful skill to have. If you can make your own content it’s a fantastic route for young people to go down.”

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“It’s important to stay creative,” he said.

Ms Burridge said the program also plays a valuable role in bringing young people together.

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“We find it’s a good space for young people to meet each other and connect,” she said.

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For participants, the program is already making a difference.

Student Georgia Little-Thompson said she has been learning how to film, take photographs and use a camera.

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“It’s really good and it’s very informational,” she said.

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While she hopes to pursue a Law career in the future, she said photography is also something she enjoys.

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“It’s a very versatile and an inclusive hobby.”

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She said the centre had helped her form strong friendships over the years.

Her advice to other youth people, is that, “You’re never alone.”

“There is always someone there for you even if you don’t know it at that moment,” she said.

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Student Robert Jones said the program has introduced him to visual arts and the technical side of recording and photography.

“We’re learning about the visual arts and how recording and photography work – which has been really cool.”

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Another student, Bonnie Sutton, said she had been involved in creating a short promotional video for the centre, helping with storyboards, directing and acting.

“I’ve made some new friends which has been good. People here are very kind and respectful,” she said.

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Bonnie said the program had also helped her learn how to use a camera and build on her interest in taking and editing portraits, which she hopes the skills will support her future ambitions in photography and fashion design.

Mackay journalist Hannah McNamara from Life Publishing Group attended the evening, sharing tips, insights into journalism and photography, and answering questions from students alongside Ms Burridge and Mr Myers.

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