80 female journalists from across Sierra Leone have been certified in multimedia journalism after successfully completing an intensive training programme at the Lumkonkwin University of Creative Technology.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on 24 July 2026 at the university’s campus, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, described the initiative as a major achievement for his administration. He noted that empowering female journalists through professional training was one of the key commitments in his ACTION manifesto.
President Kamara commended the European Union, BBC Media Action, and other development partners for supporting the programme. He appealed for continued collaboration to enable more women in the media to acquire digital and multimedia skills.
The President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina Taylor-Tucker, described the graduation as a significant milestone not only for the media industry but also for the country. She said the training represents an important step towards strengthening the capacity of female journalists and increasing their participation in the digital media landscape.
Speaking on behalf of BBC Media Action, the Country Director for Sierra Leone, Mr. Musa Shanghai, expressed satisfaction with the organisation’s partnership with SLAJ in delivering the training. He encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they had gained to improve their journalism and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Lead trainer, Abubakarr Tappiah Sesay, praised the participants for their commitment and perseverance throughout the programme. He said the training journey reflected courage and dedication, adding that the graduates are now well prepared to embrace the opportunities of the digital media space.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Edward Kargbo spoke on the importance of skills development and personal growth. He urged the graduates not to rely solely on the technical skills they had acquired but to continue developing their potential through continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation. He also encouraged them to support one another in achieving their professional aspirations.
Some of the graduates shared testimonies, expressing appreciation to SLAJ, BBC Media Action, and the European Union for providing the opportunity. They described the training as transformative and said it had equipped them with practical multimedia skills that would enhance their work as journalists.
