By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has officially launched a comprehensive Digital Literacy and Technical Media Training programme for 70 female journalists, describing the initiative as a major step toward strengthening professionalism and inclusivity within Sierra Leone’s media sector. The orientation ceremony took place on Friday, 12th December 2025, at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Freetown, bringing together representatives from the European Union, BBC Media Action, the university’s administration and the wider media development community.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Manika Kamara highlighted that the programme is far more than a conventional workshop or short-term seminar. Instead, he explained, it is structured like a college-level course; rigorous, practical and designed to equip female journalists with the digital and technical competencies required in today’s rapidly evolving media environment. “This initiative is designed with one goal in mind: to empower female journalists with the digital, technical and critical thinking skills required to thrive in a fast-changing media landscape,” he said.

The training is being implemented by SLAJ in partnership with Limkokwing University under the EU-funded MEDIA Project through BBC Media Action. Alhaji Manika Kamara described the collaboration as a powerful demonstration of how strategic partnerships can strengthen Sierra Leone’s media ecosystem. He noted that the programme aligns with other ongoing capacity-building efforts, including the Public Financial Management training delivered by BAN, which commenced recently in Freetown.

Alhaji Manika Kamara extended deep appreciation to the European Union for its consistent commitment to media freedom, democratic governance and media development in Sierra Leone. According to him, the EU’s support ensures that journalists, particularly women, are prepared not just to participate in the national media space but to lead with confidence and competence. “Your support ensures that journalists, especially women, are equipped not just to participate but to compete and lead,” he said.

He also commended BBC Media Action for its longstanding collaboration with Sierra Leone’s media institutions, acknowledging its technical leadership and role in shaping a resilient and ethically guided media ecosystem. Limkokwing University was similarly praised for opening its institution to journalists and investing in a structured, innovation-driven training programme aimed at building real-world skills.

Reiterating his leadership commitment to the SLAJ ACTION agenda, Accountability, Collaboration, Training, Innovation, Opportunities and National Impact, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said the programme reflects all six elements. He explained that increasing digital capacity among women in journalism is essential not only for professional development but also for newsroom diversity and national progress. “When women grow, journalism grows. When women lead, society progresses,” he emphasized.

Addressing the trainees, Alhaji Manika Kamara encouraged them to take full ownership of the programme, noting that they are not just students but pioneers who will shape the next era of journalism in Sierra Leone. He stressed that digital literacy, multimedia production, online safety, fact-checking and ethical digital practices are now indispensable skills in modern journalism. The training, he added, positions them to compete at national and global levels, especially in an era defined by technology and information flow.

He also underscored that gender empowerment in media should be seen as strategic investment rather than charity. According to him, strengthening women’s participation in journalism leads to more ethical, balanced and representative newsrooms.

“As we launch this programme, I reaffirm SLAJ’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, ethical and technologically resilient media sector,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said. He called for continued collaboration with development partners to ensure long-term media growth and sustainability in Sierra Leone.

The SLAJ President closed his remarks by wishing all trainees a rewarding and transformative learning experience. “May this programme be the beginning of something truly impactful for our media fraternity,” he stated. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slaj-president-launches-digital-media-training-for-70-female-journalists-at-limkokwing-university/