Freetown, 29th October 2025- In a renewed push for media empowerment, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has urged Orange Sierra Leone to reintroduce its journalism scholarship programme and deepen its support for media development across the country.
The appeal came during a high-level courtesy visit by SLAJ’s newly elected National Executive to Orange’s Head Office at Hill Station on Monday. Kamara emphasized that strategic investment in journalism education, especially for aspiring and practicing reporters, is essential to strengthening professionalism and building a resilient media sector.
He praised Orange’s past contributions, notably a scholarship scheme that enabled five SLAJ members to earn PhDs, many of whom now serve as lecturers at Fourah Bay College. “This initiative transformed our media landscape by producing homegrown scholars who are shaping journalism education in Sierra Leone,” Kamara said.
Beyond postgraduate support, Kamara called for targeted assistance to undergraduate Mass Communication students facing financial hardship. He also proposed an annual contribution to SLAJ’s Welfare Fund to help young journalists navigate the early stages of their careers.
Orange Sierra Leone’s Company Secretary, Madam Danetta Younge, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to press freedom and media growth. She highlighted Orange’s longstanding partnership with SLAJ, including sponsorship of Annual General Meetings and support to various media institutions.
During the meeting, Kamara also briefed Orange on the ongoing rehabilitation of SLAJ’s National Secretariat, which is being transformed into a modern media resource center. He appealed for collaboration on improving internet access and affordable data packages for journalists working in remote and under-resourced areas.
Orange Sierra Leone’s management expressed enthusiasm about continuing its partnership with SLAJ, pledging to explore new avenues for supporting media education, digital access, and professional development.
