By Roy Hezron
A European based organization is planning to sponsor 250 students in Africa in enhancing their visual storytelling skills in advancing their careers through a Student Development Programme.
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) which is sponsoring the programme and which is in its fifth year since its inception in 2015 gives the successful students opportunity of getting inspirational lectures, talks and speakers, all taking place digitally.
The United Arab Emirates based organization in its April 6, 2021 press release opened up the application window for those interested to send their application online as from April 1, 2021.
“The Canon Student Development Programme is a great way for aspiring photographers to gain invaluable experience, learning from and mixing with professionals in the industry. During my time on the Programme, I learned not only how to better present and promote my work but was also able to use it to reflect on my experience and motivate myself when the week ended,” said Ksenia Kuleshova, Programme Alumni and Canon Ambassador.
Successful participants will have a chance to have their portfolio reviewed by some of the most influential names in the world of photography to help them on their journey to becoming young professionals.
In addition, each student will be partnered with a mentor over the summer from whom they will receive one-on-one preparation time, ahead of having their curated portfolios reviewed within a group review session in September.
This year, expert coaching will be provided by some of the world’s leading photo professionals, including Canon Ambassadors such as visual artist Laura El-Tantawy and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Muhammed Muheisen.
Since 2017, over 800 students have attended the Programme, resulting in real success stories of talents that have gone on to establish incredible careers.
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East which is a subsidiary of Canon Europe formed in 2015 and it has been in the African continent for more than 15 years.
