Online Writing Niche conducted a free seminar on using social media among migrant participants on 21 February at the Community House meeting room.
Since reading last year’s news article “Upset Filipinos long for news“, I started thinking how to share what I and my wife did to get updates from back home.
The goals of the social media seminar were to share about the role of social media during and after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines and teach participants how to use effectively Twitter and Facebook to gather live updates in times of calamities or significant national events.
Twitter and Facebook provided updates within 24 hours after Typhoon Haiyan hit Ajuy
When Typhoon Haiyan hit Iloilo province and the mobile signal was lost on 8 November 2013, I and my wife turned to Twitter and Facebook for updates.
We used the updates we got from Twitter as leads. We searched Facebook’s news feed for details such as photos, videos, and narratives.
We were able to get images in less than 24 hours after it hit Ajuy, our town in Iloilo Province.
We shared those updates to inform and alert our family and friends in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and other countries of the world.
Then we got word that our family members are alright within 24 hours through the social media communication vine.
Through the Google Person Finder and Twitter, I helped a Filipino couple in Temuka search for their missing family member.
Using Facebook to Raise Funds for Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines
I and my wife learned via FB private messages that food and water shortage became evident.
For two straight days, we contacted our friends abroad and solicited funds. We created the FB Group Page “Concerned People Helping Ajuy” to rally support, post updates and venue for communicating our relief efforts.
We coordinated with a group of Ajuy youth volunteers living in Iloilo City. They received the money, bought relief food, and facilitated distribution in Ajuy.
Holding the social media seminar
Joining OWNiche as co-sponsors are Hopevale Trust and Aoraki Migrant Support Centre.
Aoraki Migrant Support Centre provided the venue. Rosie Knoppel, Migrant Support Coordinator talked briefly about the Aoraki Multicultural Council programs.
Ross Waugh, founder and director of Hopevale Trust shared about the financial support the trust generated for Typhoon Haiyan victims.
Jewel Castillon, Marketing Manager of Online Writing Niche provided documentation.
There were seven people who attended. The ethnic groups represented were South Africa, Philippines, China, and Germany.
OWNiche plans to share the social media lessons learned with other migrants in Canterbury and neighbouring towns.
See seminar photos below…
