Youth in Dandora to gain photography and filmmaking skills through new training programme

Ten years ago, Canon launched the Miraisha programme in Kenya to support creative skills development across Africa.

What began as a small initiative has since expanded into a continent-wide effort focused on photography, filmmaking, and storytelling.

This year, Canon Central and North Africa is working with Maono Africa, a community-based organization in Dandora, Nairobi, to offer training in photography and filmmaking.

The workshops are designed for underserved youth and young mothers who often face limited opportunities in the creative sector.

Dandora, known internationally for its dumpsite and associated challenges, is also home to communities that have long relied on resilience and innovation.

The partnership aims to give young people the chance to document their surroundings and develop professional skills that may lead to sustainable livelihoods.

“Kenya is where Miraisha first came to life, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts,” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa.

“Our new partnership with Maono Africa is deeply aligned with the Miraisha vision—of not only teaching skills but creating real, lasting impact in communities. These organizations are doing extraordinary work, and together we aim to inspire, train, and uplift the next generation of storytellers in Dandora and beyond.”

Ten Years of Training

Miraisha, a name drawn from Japanese and Swahili, reflects both Canon’s background and its commitment to Africa.

Since 2014, the programme has trained more than 7,000 people across 11 African countries.

At least 650 have secured paid work, while 450 have had their photography or films published, screened, or exhibited.

Canon has set a target of 10,000 participants by 2030.

For many graduates, the impact goes beyond technical knowledge. Alumni have used the training to establish small businesses, gain freelance assignments, or mentor others in their communities.

Focus on Storytelling

The workshops in Dandora, which began in August and continue through October 2025, combine in-person sessions with virtual webinars.

Participants will study the basics of photography, including exposure and composition, alongside filmmaking techniques such as shooting, screen direction, and editing.

The approach is intended to link practical skills with storytelling that reflects the experiences of participants and their neighborhoods.

“At Maono Africa, our mission has always been to give young people the tools to reimagine their future. Storytelling through photography and film is one of the most powerful ways to do that,” said Kenneth Owili, Founder of Maono Africa.

“This partnership with Canon Miraisha allows us to not only train but also empower youth in Dandora to create stories that reflect their reality, resilience, and aspirations.”

Community Collaboration

Maono Africa works in areas ranging from sport and arts to education, health, and advocacy.

Its connection to local youth positions it to help deliver the training and reach participants who may not otherwise access such opportunities.

The initiative will be supported by 25 Canon-trained instructors already active in the region.

Miraisha has established more than 30 partnerships across Africa, a model that builds local capacity and allows communities to sustain skills development beyond the training period.

Looking Ahead

As Miraisha enters its second decade, its work continues to emphasize the role of local communities in shaping Africa’s creative industries.

The collaboration in Dandora illustrates how technical training can also serve as a platform for social participation, identity, and new opportunities for income.

For participants, the workshops are expected to provide more than technical ability.

They may also create entry points into wider networks of filmmakers and photographers, and contribute to broader conversations on how African communities are represented.

“Storytelling is not only about images or film,” said Owili.

“It is about being able to speak for yourself and for your community, and that is what makes this partnership significant for young people here.”

With continued partnerships, Miraisha seeks to maintain a focus on building skills that can translate into real opportunities.

In Dandora, the programme will test how creativity can thrive in environments that are often overlooked, and how young people can use cameras to present their world on their own terms.