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The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), hosted a prestigious awards ceremony to celebrate the winners of the “China–Sierra Leone Cooperation in My Eyes” short video competition.
Mariama Khai Fornah of Hands of Hope Radio has emerged as the winner of the China, Sierra Leone Short Video Competition, taking home a cash prize of NLe 10,000, a certificate, and a plaque.
Patrick Sallia of SLIK TV secured second place with NLe 4,000, while Sorie Bakarr Kamara, Communications Officer at Mankind’s Activity for Development Accreditation Movement (MADAM), placed third, receiving NLe 2,000.
The awards were presented on Friday, 17th April 2026, during a ceremony hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Furthermore, the competition brought together storytellers, journalists, and young creatives to share their perspectives on the growing relationship between the two countries. Through their short videos, participants explored themes including infrastructure development, cultural exchange, education, healthcare collaboration, and people-to-people connections.
A total of nine participants submitted 13 entries, all of which were screened by a panel of judges. While the top three winners received cash prizes, certificates, and plaques, all participants were awarded certificates of participation and NLe 500 each.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, described the initiative as more than just a competition. He said it serves as a bridge fostering closer ties between the peoples of both nations.
Ambassador Zhao expressed delight at the strong participation of young people, describing them as the future of China–Sierra Leone relations. He encouraged them to continue acting as ambassadors of friendship to deepen the longstanding ties between the two nations.
SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, commended the Chinese Embassy for the sustained partnership, noting that such collaborations create valuable opportunities for journalists and emerging content creators in Sierra Leone.
Finally, the ceremony also featured screenings of the winning videos, each offering a unique and compelling insight into how China–Sierra Leone cooperation is impacting lives across the country.
