Africa Young Voices (AYV) official Camera Operator, Desmonda Aminata Cole is among young Sierra Leoneans currently attending the YouthConnekt Africa 2023 Summit (YCA-2023) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Desmonda, is a 23-year-old Sierra Leonean breaking barriers and making a name for herself in the male-dominated field of camera operation and photography. She currently works for Africa Young Voices Media Empire, the leading media institution in Sierra Leone.
Her journey to success has not been an easy one. At a young age, she lost both her parents and had to rely on the support of family members to pursue her education. Despite facing opposition from her aunt, who believed camera operation was a form of prostitution, Desmonda found a mentor in Isata Kamara who encouraged her to pursue her passion.
In 2017, Desmonda decided to step up and fend for herself. She initially applied to be a presenter at Africa Young Voices Media Empire but was not accepted. However, she did not let this setback discourage her. She applied for an internship at the media institution and was finally accepted, becoming the first camera operator for the company.
Desmonda’s inspiration comes from Amb Phebean Swill, an award-winning filmmaker and TV personality at Africa Young Voices Media Empire. She admires Phebean’s calmness and professionalism, considering her one of her mentors. Desmonda is also a beneficiary of the IJ Kabba Foundation and holds a diploma in mass communication.
Desmonda’s dream is to own her own photography company and run an academy where she can train other young girls in camera operation and photography. She believes that more women should pursue their dreams in the industry and hopes to inspire others to do so.
She said: “I hope to someday own my own company where I will be able to train young girls to break barriers and become camera operators like me”.
As a camera operator, Desmonda faces challenges such as limited access to equipment due to financial constraints. Additionally, she encounters skepticism from clients who believe that camera operation is a man’s job. However, Desmonda perseveres by producing high-quality work and building a good reputation.
Hosted by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the YouthConnekt Africa Hub and UNDP, the 6th edition of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit is convening over 20,000 young people, government officials, corporate leaders and development champions.
This year’s Summit aims to spotlight Youth leadership and innovation for Africa’s integration through policy discussions, storytelling and networking, and entrepreneur focused programmes including a marketplace and investor meetings.
“These young leaders are the embodiment of innovation and resilience, ready to make their mark on the continent and beyond.” Sierra Leone’s Youth Minister, Mohamed Orman Bangura said.
The YouthConnekt Africa has evolved into the largest business and policy convener on youth development in Africa. Hosted by Heads of State, the summit engages youth with leaders, policymakers, development champions and various actors on emerging development issues. It drives strong policy influence and increased investment in the creation of opportunities for young people in Africa.
The YouthConnekt Africa Summit is the largest business and policy convener on youth development in Africa, engaging youth with leaders, policymakers, development champions, and various actors on emerging development issues. Hosted by Heads of State, the summit has evolved into a dynamic hub of ideas, collaboration, and transformative thinking.
The YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 was officially launched in Nairobi with the theme ‘Youth Innovating: A Borderless African Renaissance’. The conference is a continental initiative aimed at empowering young people by enhancing their knowledge, experiences, and skills while investing in their ideas, innovations, and initiatives.
