By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen

Freetown, 20th April 2026 — The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has on Friday, 17th April, 2026 held a short video competition awards ceremony in Freetown, Bintumani Hotel, under the theme: “China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes.”

The competition marked the celebration of creativity in commemoration of the 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between China and Sierra Leone. Sierra Leoneans across the country were encouraged to tell their stories, share their experiences, and help shape a richer public understanding of China–Sierra Leone cooperation through creativity and storytelling.

A female journalist of Hands of Hope Radio, Mariam Khai Fornah, Won the Competition with a prize of NLe 10,000, a certificate and a plaque; followed by Patrick Sallia of SLIK TV as the first Runner up — won NLe 4,000, while Sorie Bakarr Kamara, Communications Officer at Mankind’s Movement (MADAM) came third, receiving NLe 2,000.

The president of SLAJ, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said that the competition was open to every Sierra Leonean, noting that everyone could have the opportunity to showcase their skills and their perspectives of the Chinese-Sierra Leone friendship.

The “China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes” competition was very important and timely, Kamara said, adding that it created a space for the people of Sierra Leone to share their perspective about the relationship between China and Sierra Leone. “This competition helps us understand each other and brings diplomacy to the people,” said Kamara.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb. Zhao Yong, noted that the competition was a way to continue to strengthen the friendship China has with Sierra Leone.

The president of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina B. Tucker Nee Taylor, encouraged participants who didn’t win to learn from their mistakes. She motivated them to keep being creative.

Senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism at Fourah Bay College, Brian James, and Tappia Sesay, a lecturer from Limkokwing University, compiled the grades after analyzing all of the participants’ videos.

Participants who didn’t make it to the top 3 received 500 Leones each as compensation for participating.