By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen

Freetown, 16th October 2025 – On Friday, last week, a wave of creative energy swept through a room full of university students as Unipod Sierra Leone and Nallo Jr Arts Academy, soon to be rebranded as SkillsBridge, hosted a dynamic workshop themed “From Data to Action: Turn Your Art into Business.” Backed by UNDP Sierra Leone and Timbuktu Africa, the event brought together student creatives from across institutions, all eager to sharpen their skills and rethink their craft as viable enterprise.

The sessions were anything but passive. Branding, digital monetization, and entrepreneurship took center stage, with students diving into immersive discussions led by seasoned professionals. Hassan Kamara, Head of the Communications Department at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, delivered one of the standout presentations. His message was clear and compelling: “Perseverance and consistency are key attributes one must have in order to become an entrepreneur.” Students leaned in, took notes, and asked questions, not just about business models, but about mindset.

“I’ve learnt a lot from this workshop,” said Umarr Bah, a broadcast journalism student. “It’s inspired me to take my craft seriously.” That sentiment echoed across the room, as students began to see their talents not just as hobbies, but as potential livelihoods.

Alex Nallo Jr, CEO of the Nallo Jr Arts Academy, led another engaging session on monetization how to turn creativity into cash without compromising authenticity. “I am happy to be part of this,” said Alima Bangura, another participant. “This session has inspired me.”

The energy wasn’t just in the presentations it was in the vision. Beena Wallace, Programs and Community Lead at the academy, announced that the institution is undergoing a rebrand and will soon be known as SkillsBridge. But the change is more than cosmetic. “We want to establish creative communities in schools,” she said. “We want to catch them young and nurture them.”

And that’s exactly what the workshop did, it nurtured. It gave students tools, language, and confidence to imagine their art as business.