By Thaimu T. Kamara
Orange Sierra Leone on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, hosted a digital training orientation for journalists at its Digital Center, Orange Office, Hill Station, Freetown, as part of its continued effort to strengthen media capacity in the country through the Coursera digital learning platform.
The orientation programme brought together journalists from various media institutions and was designed to enhance their skills in the use of emerging digital tools and platforms. The initiative recognizes the critical role of the media as the Fourth Estate of government, particularly at a time when journalism is increasingly shaped by technology and digital innovation.
In her address, Annie W. Kalta, Director of the Orange Foundation, underscored the relevance of the training to modern journalism. She explained that the digital landscape is constantly evolving and that journalists must adapt by acquiring new skills to remain effective and competitive. She encouraged participants to take the training seriously, remain open to learning, and fully engage with digital platforms that can improve the quality and reach of their work. According to her, the programme is intended to have long-term benefits, not only for individual journalists but also for the overall development of the media sector in Sierra Leone.
The General Secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Danelta Yorge, highlighted the company’s longstanding relationship with the media and its commitment to supporting journalism in the country. She noted that the Coursera digital training orientation is one of several initiatives undertaken by Orange to promote professionalism and capacity building within the media landscape. Madam Yorge emphasized that Orange Sierra Leone values its partnership with journalists and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to continue working closely with the media and the Government of Sierra Leone to support national development. She urged participants to seize the opportunity and make maximum use of the training being offered.
Also speaking at the event, Lamaran Bah, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Truth Media SL, spoke on the growing importance of digital journalism. He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting journalists through financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, especially for students pursuing mass communication. He observed that online journalism has increasingly taken center stage, with digital platforms now reaching wider audiences than traditional radio in many contexts. He stressed that digital inclusion is no longer optional but essential for journalists who wish to remain relevant in today’s media environment.
One of the participants, Khadijja Bangura of Liberty TV, expressed appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for organizing the orientation. She described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that such opportunities would be difficult to access without corporate support. According to her, digital trainings of this nature will significantly help journalists sharpen their skills, improve content delivery, and remain competitive in an increasingly digital media space. She encouraged fellow participants to take full advantage of the programme and apply the knowledge gained in their daily professional work.
The Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Richard Ngevao, commended Orange Sierra Leone for hosting the training. He reiterated SLAJ’s commitment to capacity building and professional development for journalists across the country. He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and dedication, adding that they should serve as ambassadors of digital journalism by sharing knowledge and best practices within their respective communities and media institutions.
An official from the Independent Media Commission (IMC) also expressed gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the initiative, describing it as a timely and commendable intervention. The representative encouraged Orange to continue organizing similar programmes, noting that sustained investment in media training is essential for strengthening journalism and promoting responsible reporting in Sierra Leone.
The Coursera digital training orientation marks another step in Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts to empower journalists with the tools and skills needed to navigate the demands of modern journalism, while reinforcing the media’s role in informing, educating, and holding institutions accountable in a digital age.