By Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communication Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Freetown, Sierra Leone, September 2025 – The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in partnership with UNDP, Africell and MoCTI, has successfully concluded its weeklong Civic Content Creators Training, with the final day dedicated to Facilitation and Leadership and AI for Content Creators.
Held at the Africell Impact Digital Training Centre in Freetown, the program brought together young civic influencers, media practitioners, and grassroots communicators from across the country. Over the course of the training, participants developed practical skills in digital storytelling, civic engagement, and creative communication strategies designed to strengthen democracy and foster national cohesion.
AI for Content Creators – Insights from Emmanuel Kamanda
One of the highlights of the final day was a special session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Content Creators, delivered by Emmanuel Kamanda, Co-Founder and Technical Lead at Easy Stem
Mr. Kamanda outlined how AI is reshaping content creation worldwide, from automated video editing and graphic design to audience engagement and analytics. He encouraged Sierra Leonean creators to adopt AI responsibly—using it to boost productivity, expand reach, and tell more compelling civic stories.
Importantly, he underscored the role of ethics and authenticity, reminding participants that:
“AI is not here to replace your voice; it is here to amplify it. The real power lies in how you apply these tools to create impact-driven content.”.
The session inspired participants to explore new technologies while staying true to the values of truth, civic responsibility, and innovation.
Building Leaders Through Facilitation
The closing session, led by Kate Krontiris, co-founder of the Facilitation Leadership Lab, focused on facilitation and leadership. Participants were trained on how to lead civic conversations, moderate discussions, mobilize communities, and inspire positive action.
Facilitators stressed that effective civic leadership goes beyond technical skills—it requires empathy, inclusivity, and the ability to guide dialogue among diverse groups. Through interactive exercises, participants practiced methods for community engagement and responsible use of their platforms to encourage civic participation.
Closing Ceremony Remarks
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Madam Krontiris, joined by Valona Taylor, Event Planner and Producer at MoICE, commended the participants for their commitment throughout the program. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of civic leaders.
“This training has shown that our young people are not just content consumers—they are content creators, influencers, and leaders. By sharpening your facilitation and leadership skills, you are better prepared to guide conversations that matter for our nation,” she stated.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for the opportunity and pledged to apply the knowledge gained in advancing national development.
The Civic Content Creators Training forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to empower young voices, promote civic education, and strengthen participatory governance across Sierra Leone.
