Africa’s first visual education centre, Dikan, graduated ten students on Saturday (9 December) after a five-month photojournalism course in Accra.
The graduates have honed their skills in capturing powerful images which narrate stories, evoke emotions and shed light on important social issues.
The photojournalism and documentary practice certificate programme is a comprehensive, full-time course, designed to equip learners with the investigative skills and technical knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic field of visual storytelling.
Speaking during the graduation, the Ghanaian photographer and founder of the Dikan Center, Paul Ninson, said that photographs have the power to transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and personal biases.
“At Dikan Center, we believe that visual education is a powerful tool for transformation,” Ninson said.
He welcomed the ten graduates, who he said have been trained to understand the immense power of visual storytelling and are committed to using their skills to make a difference in the world.
He added, “Being a photographer is a privilege. I tell them all the time: being a creative leader is a service and a responsibility.”
Ninson’s passion for telling the African story through photography inspired his transfer of knowledge to the ten graduates.
“I prayed just like David prayed to God; I told God that if He helped me, I would make a path for others to follow. I will establish a welcoming haven, a hub of visual education equipped with resources, a supportive community and ethical guidance to transform Africa.
“The graduates of Dikan Center understand the immense power of visual storytelling and are committed to using their skills to make a difference in the world.”
The recipient of the Outstanding Student Award, Norkor Nortey, said that although she is an amateur photographer, the institution patiently took her through the ethics of photojournalism.
“Photography has always been a hobby,” the 26-year-old said, “and this year I really wanted to take the next step into a formal education of photography.
“So, when I saw the ad for this programme, I gave myself one last chance to see if I still enjoyed it.”
Ruben Ekow Quansah, who won the Dikan Community Service Award, said he believes that photojournalism has a bright future in Ghana with schools like Dikan in existence.
“I think getting into people’s spaces and getting permission to be in a space where someone can trust and be vulnerable to you was a big deal,” Quansah said.
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