HOW CANON MIRAISHA IS SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA COLLABORATIONS
One of the key drivers of this shift is the collaboration between educational institutions and industries. These partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing curriculums to align with industry standards and provide students with practical knowledge that meets real-world demands. In creative fields such as photography, filmmaking, and media production, these collaborations go beyond curriculum alignment. They bridge a crucial gap by offering students access to hands-on training and state-of-the-art technology, which many schools cannot afford. These partnerships also foster networking opportunities, connect students with professionals, and promote global recognition through industry-backed competitions.
More importantly, these collaborations enable the exchange of knowledge and innovation, empowering students to keep pace with global trends. Experts share insights on the latest technologies and techniques, inspiring students to innovate and contribute to a growing creative economy.
The Canon Miraisha Programme’s 10th-anniversary virtual panel discussion explored how academia and industry can come together to shape Africa’s creative future. This critical conversation featured prominent panelists, including Katie Simmonds, Education Programmes Manager at Canon Central and North Africa; Benson Ngobia, Dean of Students at KCA University in Kenya; Biola Adenuga, Managing Director of PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria; and Mohcine Kamal, Director of General Affairs at ESAV Institute in Morocco. Each panelist shared stories of how Miraisha’s decade-long efforts have empowered communities, nurtured talent, and fostered collaboration across Africa.
Katie Simmonds emphasized the programme’s tailored approach to partnerships. “We begin by understanding the unique needs of each institution, identifying gaps, and designing training programmes that add real value,” she said. Through workshops led by industry professionals, students are introduced to technical skills and real-world scenarios. “These professionals bring extensive career experience and share invaluable insights that inspire students,” Katie added.
At KCA University in Kenya, Miraisha has helped enhanced their film and photography programmes. “Through Miraisha, our students now have access to state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship. They graduate with the skills and confidence to thrive in the job market.” said Benson Ngobia. He highlighted how the programme ensures students understand not only the technicalities of their craft but also its relevance to industry demands. “They learn to identify what tools and techniques work best in specific contexts—skills that are critical for success in a competitive field,” he explained.
In Nigeria, PEFTI Film Institute has seen firsthand the programme’s impact on gender equality. Biola Adenuga shared inspiring stories of young women like Bunmi and Mabel, who have broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. “Canon Miraisha doesn’t just teach—it empowers. These women are now leaders in the creative space, inspiring others to follow,” she said.
In Morocco, ESAV Institute’s collaboration with Miraisha is still in its early stages, but its potential is already clear. “Our students are gaining confidence and technical skills that align with industry needs,” said Mohcine Kamal. While still evolving, this partnership shows great promise in fostering innovation and equipping students with industry-relevant expertise.
As the discussion ended, the panelists expressed gratitude for a programme that has touched thousands of lives. From individual triumphs to institutional growth, Miraisha’s legacy is one of hope, opportunity, and transformation. Katie captured the essence of the discussion beautifully: “Collaborations like these are transformative. For students, they provide up-to-date training aligned with industry trends. For professionals, it’s an opportunity to share expertise. And for institutions, it’s a chance to grow with the evolving creative economy.”
The Canon Miraisha Programme’s journey over the past decade serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to empowering communities. As it steps into the future, it continues to inspire, shaping not only careers but lives—and the creative landscape of Africa. With continued innovation and partnerships, the Miraisha Programme remains a beacon of hope for aspiring creatives, proving that experiential learning, when driven by collaboration, can indeed transform the world.