FROM PASSION TO PROFESSION: THE MIRAISHA PROGRAMME’S LEGACY IN AFRICA
Again, in celebration of its 10th anniversary, Canon Miraisha invited key leaders and partners to reflect on the journey so far, sharing insights on its role in creating opportunities for youth across Africa. The programme’s contributions have shaped individual lives and laid a foundation for Africa’s creative entrepreneurs, even in regions where formal education and economic mobility remain rare luxuries.
Katie was joined by Sam Powers, founder of Lens on Life—a U.S.-based NGO, working in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa; Lilia Benjelloun, national head of international sponsorships at SOS Children’s Villages in Morocco; and Monica Okech, a former Miraisha student now turned Canon employee. Together, they discussed the programme’s impact on African youth, particularly in places where opportunities for formal education and economic advancement are often scarce.
With partners like Lens on Life and SOS Children’s Villages, the Miraisha Programme is paving the way for Africa’s creative entrepreneurs. More than an educational initiative, it is a movement—one creating ripples of change across the continent. For Monica, Preston, Rajae, and thousands of others, Miraisha represents more than just a programme; it is a lifeline, a bridge to opportunities once thought out of reach. As the lights dimmed on the panel and the audience slowly filtered out, it was clear that Miraisha’s impact would resonate far beyond its 10th anniversary celebration.
The Miraisha Programme’s mission, as Simmonds explained, is rooted in Canon’s “kyosei” philosophy—living and working together for the common good. By providing young Africans with skills in photography, videography, and filmmaking, the programme empowers them to create sustainable livelihoods. Simmonds articulated this purpose, stating, “We work closely with youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to provide them with options they may not have otherwise.”
Sam Powers, whose organization Lens on Life collaborates with Miraisha, highlighted the partnership’s impact on young people in conflict-affected regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. “Few youth make it past primary education due to the scarcity of resources,” Powers noted. Miraisha, he explained, has amplified their reach by equipping students with both technical skills and professional-grade equipment. “Through Miraisha trainers and Canon’s network, we’ve been able to bring hope and opportunity to places where they are rare commodities.”
Powers shared the story of Preston, a young man from Cameroon who fled violence in the Anglophone region and found himself in Yaoundé. Though he didn’t initially speak French, Preston’s determination carried him through Miraisha’s programme, where he honed his photography and media skills. Today, Preston is a bilingual assistant teacher and a successful photographer—a life he never imagined before Miraisha.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the panel came from Monica Okech, who passionately recounted her journey. A single mother with few prospects, she found herself struggling to make ends meet in Nairobi, selling clothes to survive. “I had just completed high school, with a daughter to raise and a dream I thought I’d never achieve,” she shared. Then came the Miraisha Programme, which became the turning point that transformed her future. “It equipped me with skills, confidence, and a voice I never had before.” Monica’s voice grew thick with emotion as she added, “Miraisha was my school before I went to school again.”
Her story moved the panel, notably Katie Simmonds, who looked at Monica with visible pride. Monica’s journey not only took her from a beneficiary to a business owner but also led her to secure a role as an Educational Programmes Coordinator with Canon, guiding the next generation of Miraisha students. “If I hadn’t dared to step into that class, none of this would’ve been possible,” she remarked. Her story has since become a beacon of hope, inspiring other young Africans facing similar hardships.
Beyond individual transformations, the Miraisha Programme has empowered communities through initiatives like its partnership with SOS Children’s Villages in Morocco. Lilia Benjelloun, head of sponsorship at SOS Morocco, shared the community-level impact of the programme. “Ten of our youth have started their own projects,” she explained, describing ventures in brand image consultancy, art exhibitions, and even a sports brand launched by Rajae, a former student inspired by Miraisha’s creative training. “Once shy and withdrawn, these young adults now lead with confidence,” she said.
As the panel discussion drew to a close, Simmonds reflected on what lies ahead. The Miraisha Programme aims to train over 10,000 more students by 2027, expanding its reach to new countries and forging additional partnerships. “The future is bright,” she said with optimism. “We’re here to help participants unlock their potential and realize their dreams. The journey has only just begun.”
With partners like Lens on Life and SOS Children’s Villages, the Miraisha Programme is paving the way for Africa’s creative entrepreneurs. More than an educational initiative, it is a movement—one creating ripples of change across the continent. For Monica, Preston, Rajae, and thousands of others, Miraisha represents more than just a programme; it is a lifeline, a bridge to opportunities once thought out of reach. As the lights dimmed on the panel and the audience slowly filtered out, it was clear that Miraisha’s impact would resonate far beyond its 10th anniversary celebration.