Ninety-eight young Sierra Leoneans graduated from Spark Media's intensive Media Masterclass on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The graduation ceremony, held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, marked the successful completion of the programme for all participants. This significant event celebrated the dedication and hard work of the participants over the course of the intensive training. These 98 individuals met the rigorous requirements and proudly received their certificates of completion for the initiative, which was notably offered free of charge to all attendees, showing Spark Media's commitment to accessibility and empowerment. The successful graduation of nearly one hundred young professionals notes a key moment for media development in Sierra Leone.
Masterclass Details and Focus
The one-month training programme initially enrolled 150 participants, demonstrating a strong initial interest from aspiring media professionals across the nation. The curriculum was meticulously designed and focused on providing young individuals with practical, hands-on skills across several key media disciplines. Participants received full instruction in videography, photography, graphic design, and web design, all aimed at significantly enhancing their professional capabilities and preparing them for diverse roles within the creative industries. The practical nature of the training ensured that graduates were not only theoretically knowledgeable but also proficient in applying their skills in real-world scenarios. This focused approach was key in equipping them with the tools necessary for immediate impact in their chosen fields.
The training sessions were facilitated by highly experienced experts in their respective fields, ensuring a high standard of instruction. Benjamin Thoronka, a renowned professional, led the photography instruction, imparting invaluable techniques and insights to the aspiring photographers. Concurrently, Emmanuel AJ Cole, an expert in visual storytelling, conducted the videography modules, guiding participants through the intricacies of video production and editing. Spark Media fully funded the masterclass, covering all operational costs and tuition fees, with additional key support provided by Hotacon. This collaborative funding model was instrumental in ensuring the programme was offered entirely free of charge to all attendees, removing financial barriers and making the high-quality training accessible to a broader demographic of talented young Sierra Leoneans.
Keynote Address and Awards
H.E. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, delivered the inspiring keynote address at the graduation ceremony. The Minister commended Spark Media and its partners for their foresight and initiative in investing in the nation's youth. "I would like to thank Spark Media and its partners for empowering these young people with essential skills that will undoubtedly contribute to our nation's development and economic growth," H.E. Kenyeh Barlay stated during her address, emphasizing the broader societal impact of such educational programmes. Her presence showed the government's recognition of the importance of skills development in the media sector.
In a moment of special recognition, outstanding participants were acknowledged for their exceptional achievements throughout the intensive programme and received professional equipment to support their future careers. The individual named Best Videographer was awarded a high-quality camera kit, providing them with the tools needed to immediately embark on professional projects. Similarly, the Best Photographer also received a advanced camera kit, a significant boost for their photographic journey. A powerful laptop was presented to the Best Graphic Designer, acknowledging their excellence and proficiency in digital design within the intensive masterclass programme. These awards not only celebrated individual talent but also provided a tangible foundation for the graduates to launch their professional careers.
Organizer and Participant Reflections
Spark Media's Chief Executive Officer, Solomon J. Kekura, noted the organization's unwavering commitment to youth development and capacity building in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kekura stated that the initiative aimed to equip young Sierra Leoneans with essential, market-relevant media skills, thereby significantly enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial prospects within the rapidly evolving creative industries. He emphasized the program's vital role in fostering a new generation of skilled and innovative media professionals in Sierra Leone, capable of contributing to the national narrative and economy.
Issadin Kamara, one of the graduating participants, expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable opportunity. Kamara noted that the masterclass provided practical, hands-on training that would be instrumental and invaluable for his future career, praising the real-world applicability of the lessons learned. Another proud graduate, Joe L. Aruna, commented on the exceptional quality of instruction and the direct relevance of the skills acquired to current industry demands. Sallu Kamuskay, also a graduate, added that beyond the technical skills, the programme allowed participants to network extensively with peers and established industry experts, creating a supportive community and fostering key connections for emerging talent in the media landscape.
