From October 20 to 23, 2026, the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), in collaboration with CREC International, organized a four-day training workshop on digital communication, multimedia, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Lomé.
The workshop brought together 25 participants at the Missionary Animation Centre in Cacavéli, Lomé (Republic of Togo), including Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), a Comboni Missionary Sister, a Comboni Lay Missionary, and laypeople responsible for communication in Comboni parishes. The aim was to strengthen their practical digital communication skills to better promote missionary activities and make evangelization more dynamic and accessible.
The workshop officially opened on Tuesday, October 20, with a welcome address by Fr. Fidèle KATCHAN, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries in the Togo-Ghana-Benin Province.
The training was facilitated by three experts: Fr. Fabrizio Colombo (Italy), President of CREC International and specialist in radio, music, and media production; Mr. Charles Ayetan (Togo), journalist; and Mr. Jacob Brahim Konfé (Burkina Faso), UI/UX designer and motion design specialist.
Combining theory with hands-on activities, the programme covered journalistic writing, interviewing, reporting, smartphone video production, podcast creation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Participants also explored AI-powered tools for generating images, videos, music, and voices, as well as strategies for creating engaging content for social media. Particular attention was given to ethical considerations, including information accuracy, privacy, copyright, and responsible AI use.
On the final day, participants applied their newly acquired skills to the production of an audiovisual programme, bringing together techniques learned throughout the workshop.
The training concluded on Friday, October 23, with remarks from the trainers and the Provincial Superior, followed by the presentation of certificates, a group photograph, and a cocktail reception.
Beyond strengthening technical skills, the workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in missionary communication. It also demonstrated how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can become valuable instruments for spreading the Gospel and reaching wider audiences, particularly young people.
This initiative reflects the Comboni Missionaries’ commitment to embracing modern communication technologies while remaining faithful to their mission of evangelization and service to humanity.
Ernest Segno Botri
CLM– Togo
