By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has called on content creators to embrace their civic responsibility by sharing uplifting and positive stories about Sierra Leone.
His remarks were made during the launch of a UNDP-funded training program for content creators, held at the Africell Impact Digital Training Center on Wilkinson Road.
“We all create and post content every day. My message to you is to consider this a civic duty. Use this opportunity to tell uplifting stories and promote the culture of our country through the content you create,” Minister Bah emphasized.
The training program, which is also supported by Africell and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, has brought together over twenty content creators from across Sierra Leone. The primary goal of the program is to empower young Sierra Leonean storytellers to leverage digital tools in narrating stories that reflect the country’s civic values.
Participants will engage in sessions designed to align their content with key civic pillars and the government’s Big 5 priorities. This initiative aims to equip storytellers with the skills needed to create civic-focused content for social media platforms, while also exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance their storytelling techniques.
Throughout the training, attendees will learn how to identify misinformation and disinformation online, a crucial skill in today’s digital landscape. Additionally, participants will be paired with experienced mentors who will guide them over the course of several weeks, creating a supportive environment for skill development.
Minister Bah expressed his hope that this training would mark the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the government and content creators. “We want to partner with you. We want to leverage the resources you have, alongside our partners, to work together in telling positive and good stories about our country and promoting good values. Salone Big Pas We All, and it is for all of us,” he stated.
This initiative highlights the growing recognition of the power of storytelling in shaping public perceptions and fostering national pride. By encouraging content creators to focus on uplifting narratives, the government aims to harness the potential of digital media to celebrate Sierra Leone’s culture and achievements.
The partnership between the UNDP, the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Technology, and Africell reflects a shared vision of empowering young storytellers to positively contribute to the nation’s narrative, ultimately fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.