Wednesday, 17th January, 2024: In an effort to tackle dual challenges of youth unemployment and digital exclusion, Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and Sunshine Cinema have sealed a dynamic partnership aimed at bringing about transformative change on the continent.
PIN, a leading non-profit organisation advocating for digital rights and inclusion also works to connect under-served young Africans with digital opportunities, and ensures protection of their rights online. Sunshine Cinema is a non-profit solar-powered media network working through Southern Africa to address youth unemployment.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Sunshine Cinema will provide innovative mobile solar cinema kits to showcase Paradigm Initiative’s impactful short films. The kits not only harness the sun’s energy but also empower young entrepreneurs as media facilitators, enabling them to earn income while driving positive social change within their communities.
The collaboration comes at a critical juncture when countries within the continent are grappling with the consequences of digital divide and the urgent need for employment opportunities for the youth. The two organisations aim to bridge these gaps and create a ripple effect of positive change.
Commenting on the collaboration, Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, PIN’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), said: “This collaboration marks an important step in leveraging the power of storytelling to champion digital rights and inclusion on the continent. It is a symbiotic relationship that goes beyond traditional advocacy to lighting up minds and creating opportunities for the youth.”
On her part, Sydelle Willow Smith, Sunshine Cinema Executive Director, said: “As we embark on this journey, we will be keen on amplifying the message of digital inclusion, youth empowerment and social transformation. Together, we can illuminate the path towards a brighter, more inclusive Africa.”
Paradigm Initiative has produced three short films inspired by the annual Londa report, which spotlights the state of digital rights and inclusion across African countries. ‘Undersight’ follows the journey of Omar, a brilliant computer programmer who creates revolutionary data collation software, which is in high demand. The short films the organisation has released are Training, Focus and Finding Diana. Last December 2023, PIN unveiled the trailer of the 4th short film- ‘Undersight.
About Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) connects under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. We have worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, building experience, community trust, and an organisational culture that positions us as a leading non-governmental organisation in ICT for Development and Digital Rights on the continent.
Across our regional offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and beyond, we have impacted youth with improved livelihoods through our digital inclusion and digital rights programs.
About Sunshine Cinema
Sunshine Cinema is a non-profit solar-powered media network working through Southern Africa to address youth unemployment. Sunshine Cinema equips young entrepreneurs with a Sunbox (the mobile solar cinema kit) and the skills necessary to become media facilitators, earn an income and spark social change.
