HAAAND Africa Initiates Transformative Youth Filmmaking Program in Makeni

In a groundbreaking endeavor, the Humanitarian Association of Artist Advocacy Network Domain Africa (HAAAND Africa) has launched a youth filmmaking initiative in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone. The program, conducted in collaboration with the National Authorising Office and generously funded by the European Union, commenced on November 30th, 2023, at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology.

The nine-day training, spearheaded by Project Coordinator Papa Edwin Shaw, aims to empower ten youths and aspiring filmmakers with the skills necessary for impactful storytelling and media creation, particularly focusing on themes related to peace. The initiative seeks to shed light on the human and environmental consequences of gender-based violence and the mental health implications arising from climate change.

Shaw emphasized the power of media as a catalyst for promoting understanding, empathy, and unity. He outlined the program's core objective of equipping participants with the skills to create meaningful films, especially those addressing the impact of gender-based violence. HAAAND Africa envisions fostering a community of storytellers capable of inspiring positive change and contributing to lasting peace and harmony within communities.

The training concurrently takes place in Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone, further extending its reach and impact. Shaw expressed enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative in the realm of media and filmmaking, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the National Authorising Office and the vital support from the European Union.

Together, HAAAND Africa and its partners aspire to create a platform for creativity, dialogue, and transformation. The Project Coordinator urged participants to remain attentive and focused on embarking on this cinematic journey, emphasizing the potential for collective storytelling to bring about positive societal change.

The training agenda encompasses a comprehensive curriculum, including hands-on experience with various types of cameras and instruction on writing and editing impactful stories. One of the participants, Dusu Bah Conteh, described the training as timely and interactive. Aspiring to become an actress and currently a student at the University of Makeni, Conteh highlighted the valuable insights gained on the first day of the session, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the opportunity for sustainable development.

The expert trainers leading the sessions bring their proficiency in filmmaking and camera operation, promising an enriching educational experience for the participants. As the program unfolds over the nine days, HAAAND Africa envisions a cohort of empowered individuals ready to amplify their voices through compelling narratives that contribute to positive social change.