Paradigm Initiative, Sunshine Cinema engage to boost digital inclusion.

Through the partnership, PIN seeks to tap from what Sunshine Cinema brings to the table to further strengthen its already vibrant intentional drive towards bringing change on the continent.  

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, Sunshine Cinema will provide innovative mobile solar cinema kits to showcase PIN’s impactful short films by screening the company’s film, further dynamising PIN’s activities which focus on connecting under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights online. 

The kits, officials said during the virtual meeting held to seal the deal, will not only harness the sun’s energy but also empower young entrepreneurs as media facilitators. 

The officials said the deal will enable youngster to earn income while driving positive social change within their communities.

Speaking during the virtual discussion, PIN and Sunshine Cinema said the collaboration comes at a critical juncture as it sees the light of day when countries within the African continent are grappling with the consequences of digital divide and the urgent need for employment opportunities for the youth. 

The groups said the collaboration will play a crucial role in attaining their goal which anchored on the “aim to bridge these gaps and create a ripple effect of positive change” in the space created by unemployment and digital divide.

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”. 

Sunshine Cinema Executive Director, Sydelle Willow Smith, on her part, said the partnership will help illuminate the path towards a brighter and more inclusive space for Africa.

“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,” Sydellstated. 

About Paradigm Initiative

Paradigm Initiative connects under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. 

The company has worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, building experience, community trust, and an organizational culture that positions the institution as a leading non-governmental organization in ICT for development and digital rights on the continent.

The company has impacted youth with improved livelihoods through its digital inclusion and digital rights programs across its regional offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and beyond.

Paradigm Initiative has produced three short films inspired by its annual Londa report, which spotlights the state of digital rights and inclusion across African countries.

It most recent film, “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 organization has released are Training, Focus and Finding Diana.  Last December 2023, PIN unveiled the trailer of the fourth short film “Undersight”.

Sunshine Cinema in nutshell

For its part, Sunshine Cinema is a non-profit solar-powered media network working through Southern Africa to address youth unemployment. 

It 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.