One of the most compelling stories came from Tore Oriase, a previous Miraisha student and now a Canon Certified Trainer, who has experienced firsthand how the Miraisha Programme can change lives and empower you with skills needed to thrive. "I grew up in a community plagued by extreme poverty. I had no idea what I could become in life; I thought I would eventually inherit my father’s boat and go fishing, like everyone else in my community. But then I encountered the Miraisha Programme. It unlocked potential in me I never knew existed. I discovered the documentary photographer within me, the music video director inside me. This programme changed my life, and I’m living proof of what it can do for individuals, families, and entire communities." Tore’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Miraisha Programme, yet it also highlights the need for continued support and expansion to reach other communities facing similar challenges.
BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP: THE MIRAISHA PROGRAMME'S TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
Katie Simmonds, Education Programmes Manager at Canon Central and North Africa, embodies the very spirit of the Miraisha Programme. When she speaks, you can hear the passion in her voice—a passion that has been the driving force behind countless young creatives across Africa finding their footing in the creative industry. Katie has always believed that talent is universal, but opportunities are not. It’s this belief that has led her to champion a programme that offers a lifeline to those who might never have had the chance to pursue their dreams. "The Miraisha Programme provides a platform for young people, primarily between the ages of 18 to 35, to gain opportunities and skill sets in photography, videography, and printing through workshops, seminars, and training," Katie explains. This is not just about learning; it’s about giving youth the tools to build a future, even if formal education or financial resources are out of reach.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Miraisha Programme, we sat down with some of our key partners and collaborators over the years to discuss the programme’s impact. The panelists were eager to discuss what the programme represents and how it has shaped the lives of many across Africa. Katie was the first to capture the essence of the Miraisha Programme, saying, "Here at Canon, we have a corporate philosophy called Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good. When we started doing business across Africa, we wanted to truly live and breathe this philosophy. Through the Miraisha Programme, we’ve been able to do that."
Njoki Muhoho, Founder and Executive Producer of Zebra Productions Ltd in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the essence of the programme in her own words: "The Miraisha Programme can be translated into an opportunity for training, acquiring skills, and practical implementation. At the end of the day, it’s created a form of livelihood. It’s amazing how those skills have translated into positively affecting the economy, improving living standards—not just for individuals, but for their families and the larger community."
Vincenzo Cavallo, Director of The NRB BUS in Kenya, spoke about how their collaboration with the Miraisha Programme has been instrumental in bridging the skills gap: "Our philosophy is always to bring technical skills where they are needed. We organize thematic workshops—be it food photography or videography—immersing participants in the real world of those specific sectors. We involve professionals, pair students with companies, and provide a practical environment for applying these skills." Njoki added, "Our collaboration with the Miraisha Programme is unique. Youths get the technical knowledge, and partnerships with organizations like Zebra Productions provide the practical environment for skill application."
The impact of the Miraisha Programme is undeniable. But the question remains: how can young people across Africa take advantage of this opportunity? Njoki captured it succinctly: "It’s very easy. You just need to know when a workshop is running and apply. But you must be passionate about the industry. You don’t need a strong CV or a lot of background in it, but you must show seriousness and passion." This statement underscores the programme’s accessibility while also highlighting the importance of passion and commitment in achieving success.
As we look to the future, Vincenzo shared a vision that resonated with everyone present: "Even though the Miraisha Programme’s collaboration with The NRB BUS has reached over 2,000 people and trained over 300 students, the next 10 years will focus on expanding our impact. We are confident that the Canon Miraisha Programme will continue to create opportunities for youth, as they always have." His words reflect both optimism and a clear understanding that sustained impact requires ongoing innovation and dedication.
In conclusion, while the Miraisha Programme has made significant strides in bridging the skills gap in Africa, there is still work to be done. By continuing to address challenges, expand partnerships, and innovate in the delivery of training, the programme can further extend its transformative impact. To fully grasp the transformative power of the Miraisha Programme in bridging the skills gap, we encourage you to watch the recording of our panel discussion.