By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, on Friday 17 April 2026 hosted an awards ceremony for the SLAJ–Chinese Embassy Video Competition under the theme: “China in My Eyes,” bringing together stakeholders from the media, diplomatic community and creative sector at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, to recognize excellence in storytelling and highlight diverse perspectives on China–Sierra Leone relations.
Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, described the competition as a significant initiative marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone, as well as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. He commended the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists for organizing the event and acknowledged the strong participation of young Sierra Leoneans, noting that their entries reflected creativity and personal experiences of China. Te Chinese Ambassador stated that the competition served as a bridge between the peoples of both countries and a platform for deeper mutual understanding, adding that the quality and enthusiasm demonstrated by participants pointed to a promising future for bilateral relations. He encouraged the youth to continue serving as ambassadors of friendship and to contribute to strengthening ties between the two nations.
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said the initiative underscored the importance of storytelling in promoting understanding and enhancing diplomatic engagement. He noted that the theme provided an opportunity for Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people, to present their perspectives on China–Sierra Leone cooperation, highlighting that relations between the two countries have expanded over the years through collaboration in infrastructure, health, education and media. Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasized the role of journalists in informing, educating and connecting societies through balanced and professional reporting, while commending all participants and describing the competition as inclusive, having been opened to the general public to encourage wider participation and creativity. He further disclosed that all participants would receive certificates and transport support amounting to 500,000 leones, describing every participant as a winner, and acknowledged the independent role of the judges in assessing entries.
One of the judges, Taphai Sesay, explained that submissions were evaluated based on conceptual originality, cinematography, sound quality, editing and relevance to the theme. He stated that originality carried the highest weighting, with emphasis placed on creativity, clarity of concept and proper attribution of sources. According to him, cinematography was assessed based on camera work, composition, lighting and visual storytelling techniques, while sound quality focused on clarity and effective use of audio elements. Editing, he noted, was judged on transitions, pacing and overall coherence, cautioning against excessive visual effects that could undermine the intended message. He further explained that the judges also considered the social, cultural and emotional impact of each video and its ability to communicate effectively with audiences, describing the evaluation process as transparent and consistent, reflecting both technical competence and creative expression.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to winners and certificates to participants, with the overall winner receiving a cash prize of 10,000 new Leones, while the first and second runners-up received 4,000 and 2,000 new Leones respectively. Participants were also provided with certificates and financial support in recognition of their contributions.
The competition highlighted the growing role of media and creative storytelling in strengthening international relations and fostering people-to-people engagement between Sierra Leone and China, reinforcing the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in deepening bilateral ties.
