The 3rd Batch second-year students majoring in Mass Media and Journalism (MMJ) from Mon National College have completed a one-and-a-half-month training in photo and video journalism course.
The course held a completion ceremony for the twelve students on the evening of May 30, from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Mon National Culture Centre in Wangka Village, Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, near the Thai-Burma border.
As part of the event, three documentaries produced by the students during their training course were screened to perform their skills and what they had learned throughout the training.
The documentaries focused on social and cultural issues relevant to Mon communities and were well-received by the audience. The names of the documentaries are: 1. The History of Chedi Buddhagaya; 2. Lifting Alms Bowls in Wengka; 3. A Master of Sculptor.
Then, the instructors highlighted that the training focused on technical skills and emphasised developing editorial judgment, urging students to critically consider how images and videos can strengthen news storytelling.
“Students expressed strong interest in photo and video editing because they see it as a powerful tool to tell real stories in visual form. In a time when audiences consume news through images and short videos, they believe mastering these skills will help them raise awareness, document social issues, and connect with the public more effectively than words alone,” said Mi Mon Kyae, an instructor from the Mass Media and Journalism department.
During learning in this course, students expressed that they gained experience in using media tools and techniques to enhance their storytelling, with guidance from experienced trainers.
The course also encouraged teamwork and critical thinking, which are essential in the Journalism field.
“After completing this course, I understand that a single photo can hold a lot of meaning. A photo can convey its message even without captions. I’ve also learned to distinguish the differences between an ordinary video and a journalist’s video,” said Mi Yin Non, one of the students from the mass media and journalism major.
All in all, the training program was designed to enhance the practical skills of aspiring journalists, focusing on visual storytelling, camera operation, editing, and ethical reporting.
It was organised in collaboration with media professionals and trainers experienced in conflict-sensitive journalism and community reporting.
Since Batch 1, Mon National College has offered this course to students to build their skills in photography and video storytelling. It aims to help them understand how to communicate powerful messages through visuals and recognise the key differences between regular content and journalistic work.
