Freetown, 12th December, 2025- The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has launched a six‑week Digital Literacy and Technical Media Training programme for seventy (70) female journalists at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, marking what the association’s president described as “a structured, college‑level initiative designed to empower women with the skills required to thrive in a fast‑changing media landscape.”
Speaking at the orientation ceremony, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasized that the training, implemented under the EU‑funded MEDIA Project through BBC Media Action, is designed to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and inclusiveness in the country’s media sector.
“This programme ticks every element of our ACTION agenda, Accountability, Collaboration, Training, Innovation, Opportunities, and National Impact,” he said. “Gender empowerment in media is not charity; it is strategy. When women grow, journalism grows.”
The training, scheduled to begin in the first week of January, will run for six weeks. Hassan Kamara, Head of the Faculty of Communication, Media and Broadcasting, urged participants to take the programme seriously. “Give your all and ensure you fully participate and attend classes if you want to be certified at the end of the course,” he advised.
Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Evelyn Turay from Bo said many female journalists lacked digital skills and welcomed the chance to learn.
“I have never had the opportunity to use tools like Adobe to edit audio, but I am happy to gain this kind of knowledge going into the new year,” she explained. Kadija Jalloh, representing journalists from the Western Area, added: “Even in Freetown, many of us are challenged when it comes to using digital tools. This training will go a long way in helping.”
Digital media trainer Abubakarr Tapia Sesay outlined the curriculum, noting that the programme would be highly practical. “We shall design, develop, and implement essential tools. We shall be doing lots of practical work,” he said. Sesay stressed that the digital divide continues to hold journalists back, but described the training as “engaging and educative” and one that would help bridge the gap.
The six‑week course will cover a wide range of topics, including digital safety and understanding platforms, content writing, source verification, and fact‑checking, social media presence and YouTube setup. photo and video editing, graphic design and digital marketing and end with Audience management, monitoring, and data analysis.
With support from the European Union, BBC Media Action, and Limkokwing University, SLAJ hopes the programme will prepare female journalists to lead in the digital era.
