Orange Digital Centre on Thursday launched a free Coursera training programme for journalists in Sierra Leone, marking the start of a transformative learning journey aimed at strengthening digital, professional, and technical competencies across the media landscape.
During the orientation, participants were introduced to the structure, objectives, and expected outcomes of the online programme. Facilitators provided practical guidance on navigating the Coursera platform, outlining available courses, learning schedules, and strategies for balancing self-paced study with professional responsibilities.
The session opened with a welcome address by Danetta Younge, general secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to capacity building, digital inclusion, and professional development. She underscored the need to equip journalists with modern digital skills to promote ethical reporting, innovation, and credibility in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Further remarks were delivered by Annie Wonnie Katta, director of Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, who highlighted the foundation’s continued investment in education, digital skills development, and community empowerment. She encouraged participants to fully utilise the opportunity, noting that continuous learning is essential to staying relevant in today’s evolving media industry.
The programme also featured contributions from representatives of Truth Media, Liberty Online TV, The Times Newspaper, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Independent Media Commission (IMC). Speakers drew on their professional experiences to motivate participants to approach the training with discipline, commitment, and a growth-oriented mindset, highlighting how digital skills can enhance storytelling, expand audience engagement, and support career advancement.
In his closing remarks, Steven Caulker, a beneficiary of previous Orange Coursera programmes, expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its continued investment in youth empowerment. He noted that the training had created meaningful impact, improved livelihoods, and opened new professional opportunities, urging participants to fully embrace the programme.
Orange Digital Centre reaffirmed its commitment to supporting participants throughout the duration of the training and expressed confidence in the programme’s potential to deliver lasting impact. Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wished all participants success as they acquire new skills, broaden their professional horizons, and unlock future opportunities within the media sector.
