
"Success Stories from Sierra Leone" showcases the transformative impact of smartphone photography and videography training on individuals across the country. Through programs organized by DEPA and the Patriotic Advocacy Network, participants have not only gained technical skills but also discovered new career opportunities. From content creation to community development, these success stories highlight how a simple tool like a smartphone can empower people to tell their stories, enhance their creativity, and inspire others. Each testimony reflects the life-changing experience and the newfound confidence these individuals have gained in using technology to shape their future.
Isha Kamara
~ Before the training on using our mobile phones to make film or take photos, I have little or no knowledge on how such can be done. It never even crossed my mind that such was possible but ever since I attended the training, I have been able to take good pictures both at home and also in the community and I have also in my own little way started operating as a trainer for others as well.~
John Sesay
~ Ever since I attended the training on smartphone photography, I have been able to capture beautiful pictures around my community which I post on social media and people love the work so much. The training has shaped my view on the potential of my smartphone and has given me a special desire to gradually start nature photography. Thanks to DEPA and the Patriotic Advocacy Network SL.~
Rudulph Justin Taylor
~ I'm a content creator and also an actor. Before acquiring this training about shooting with smartphones I was having problems with photographers to do my shooting correctly but ever since I attended the training organized by DEPA and the Patriotic Advocacy Network I have been able to shoot for myself and also edit my video. Thanks to the organizers for this wonderful training. This training so far has been the best of my life and looking forward to more in the future. ~
Bashiru David Nika
~ The training benefited me in so many ways. Learning about how to shoot videos or take photos with my smartphone was truly a lifesaver for me, especially in the area of positioning my camera because initially, I was just taking any kind of photos without considering my surroundings or the effect of light hence poor-quality photos. What inspired me the more was learning from the facilitators that doing videography with our smartphones can bring as much income as using sophisticated cameras. To crown it all, I was certified by the organizers after completing the training.~
Barrie Nurulah
~ Before this time, I was only doing live videos on Facebook, and I knew nothing about video editing. With the help of the training through DEPA and PAN-SL, I can now do video shooting, and video editing on my own, which I found so difficult back then. With the endless possibilities of using my smartphone, I have also been inspired by the facilitators to even venture into graphic design using my smartphone. Thanks, and appreciation to PAN-SL and DEPA for bringing such development to our doorstep.~
Mustapha Brima Senesie
~The training sessions helped me a lot to learn various skills in photography using just my smartphone. It was really an eye-opener for me especially when I watched videos of others that have been using this technique during the training. Also, I was able to learn the relevance of telling my own stories or the African stories which was the whole idea of the training as was said by the facilitators. I want to thank all those responsible for this wonderful opportunity.~
Francis Amara
~ The training has really built my confidence to the point that I am now going to start my own photoshoot studio with my smartphone. Before this time, I have been taking photos and editing on my phone but was not sure about the acceptance level owing to the fact that most people are more focused on the advanced cameras for their shooting. With what I have seen and learnt from this training on using smartphones for photography and videography, I am now confident to compete head-on with any advanced cameras out there.~
Kalidu Barrie
~ The training for me has impacted the way I relate in a team. Before now most of the things I have engaged in were personal but being placed in a team to achieve a common goal has really broadened my view and has given me more insight about the value of division of labor. More so, I can now use my smartphone more responsibly after knowing the potential of the camera. I will definitely ensure to build on the knowledge gained during this training for personal and community development.~
Saffiatu Mansaray
~ For me as an individual, despite all the knowledge gained, what excites me the most was the tasks given. There are historic places around my district which I had no idea about until my team and I went out to carry out our duties. Putting into practice what we have already been taught makes understanding the whole training easy.~
Ibrahim Kamara
~ This training made me realized that video editing is something simple because before this time, I couldn’t even imagine myself being an editor. By the time we were done with the training, I was more confident in handling my group’s editing. This newfound love is something I will definitely build on as a career path moving forward.~
Isha Wureebay Kamara
~ There is so much I have gained over this couple of days and my biggest regret would have been not attending this training. First of all, my consciousness about my society and my responsibility to it has greatly improved and secondly, my perspective about my smartphone has shifted hugely. I only used to think that my device was just for luxury but now I have come to realize it can serve as a huge source of income for me and even my family as well. The skills being acquired are really priceless and it has been a weeklong life-changing experience.~
Abu Bakarr Barrie
~The one thing that got me inspired the most first of all is seeing how young all the facilitators are. That has really challenged me to ensure I put in the most effort to get hold of every bit of information that was being passed so I can be equipped to one soon stand as a facilitator myself. With regards to the use of smartphones for photography and videography, I have really learnt a lot about how to set my device because normally I just used to take out my phone and start taking photos without regard for technicality but following the teachings has improved my photo taking quality massively.~