By Ibrahim Sesay
Orange Foundation Sierra Leone through its Orange Digital Centre has launched a Free Coursera Training Programme for Journalists in Sierra Leone, in a move aimed at improving media professionalism and equipping journalists with modern digital skills to meet the demands of today’s fast-changing information landscape.
The programme was formally introduced during an orientation session held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Orange Sierra Leone Digital Centre, located at 1 Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station, Freetown. The initiative is expected to support a new wave of learning and career development for journalists by offering them access to globally recognized online courses through Coursera at no cost.
The training forms part of Orange’s broader commitment to digital inclusion and capacity building, particularly among professionals whose work directly influences public awareness, national discourse and democratic governance. Organizers described the programme as an important step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s media sector through technology-driven learning opportunities that promote ethical standards, innovation and credibility.
During the session, facilitators guided participating journalists through the programme structure, learning objectives and expected outcomes. They also provided practical demonstrations on how to effectively navigate the Coursera platform, access courses, follow learning schedules and adopt study habits that support consistent progress. Journalists were encouraged to embrace the flexibility of self-paced learning while maintaining discipline and balancing professional obligations in their respective media institutions.
The orientation opened with a welcome address by Danetta Younge, General Secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to skills development and the continuous empowerment of professionals. She noted that journalism has become increasingly competitive and digitally driven, making it necessary for media practitioners to build strong technical and professional competencies.
She emphasized that journalists must not only focus on reporting events but also develop modern tools for storytelling, online engagement and responsible content management. According to her, such skills help strengthen public trust, improve accuracy and enhance the overall quality of reporting at a time when misinformation and digital manipulation remain major challenges.
“Orange believes in investing in people and we are committed to ensuring that journalists have access to the training they need to remain credible, ethical and innovative in this new era,” she said.
Also speaking during the orientation, Annie Wonnie Katta, Director of the Orange Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s continued focus on education, digital skills and community empowerment. She described the Coursera training for journalists as a timely intervention that will boost career growth and help media practitioners remain relevant in an industry that is evolving rapidly due to technology.
She encouraged participants to seize the opportunity with seriousness, adding that continuous learning is no longer optional, but essential for survival and progress in the media profession.
“Training is one of the surest ways to build confidence and competence. This programme is an opportunity to expand your abilities and improve your work as journalists,” she told participants.
The engagement also attracted contributions from representatives of several media organizations and key stakeholders within the sector, including Truth Media, Liberty Online TV, The Times Newspaper, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Independent Media Commission (IMC). The speakers encouraged journalists to approach the programme with discipline, consistency and a growth mindset.
They noted that enhanced digital skills can support stronger storytelling, broaden audience reach and improve newsroom productivity, while also positioning journalists for greater opportunities locally and internationally. Participants were reminded that journalism is not only about gathering information but also about how that information is packaged, verified and delivered to the public in a responsible manner.
Facilitators further stated that the Coursera platform offers a wide range of courses in areas relevant to journalism and media development, including communication, digital tools, writing and editing, data handling, project management and other professional competencies. They encouraged journalists to explore available options and select courses that align with their career goals and newsroom roles.
In his closing remarks, Steven Caulker, popularly known as “Dictionary,” a beneficiary of previous Orange Coursera online trainings, praised Orange Sierra Leone for its continued investment in youth empowerment and professional development. He said the training opportunities provided by Orange had created meaningful impact, improved livelihoods and opened up new pathways for many participants.
He urged the journalists enrolled in the new programme to remain committed, stressing that the true benefits of the training will only be realized through dedication and completion of courses.
Orange Digital Centre assured participants of continued support throughout the duration of the programme, expressing confidence that the initiative will contribute to long-term improvements within the media sector. The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone wished participants success as they gain new knowledge, broaden their professional horizons and contribute to a stronger and more responsible media environment in Sierra Leone.
