Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)


The Canon Young People Programme inspires, educates, and empowers young people across EMEA through visual storytelling, reaching over 1,500 young people across 33 countries delivering more than 400 workshops; Through creative storytelling workshops Canon Young People Programme inspires and educates the next generation through creative education, teaching young people how to express themselves by using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework.  

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of the second phase of its Canon Young People Programme in partnership with MindMe International, a registered NGO based in Kenya. This expansion brings creative storytelling training to the students of Kahuho Primary School, situated in the under- resourced area of Waithaka in Dagoretti, Nairobi/Kiambu County.

Kahuho Primary School is a source of inspiration, providing quality education to over 800 children. The school’s commitment to education and community development aligns with Canon’s mission to empower and inspire young people through creativity. Through scholarships and donations from friends of the institution, Kahuho Primary School ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Jeanine El Moughrabi, Developing Regions Sustainability Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative: “We are delighted to expand our Canon Young People Programme to Kahuho Primary School. This collaboration represents Canon’s commitment to supporting education and cultivating creativity among young people. By providing these students with the tools and knowledge to tell their stories through photography, we hope to inspire a new generation of creative thinkers and change-makers.”

The training, led by professional photographer Joel Lukhovi, began on 29 July 2024, and is conducted every Monday from 3 PM to 5 PM during the school’s photography club sessions. Lukhovi is a Kenyan-based visual artist working primarily with lens-based media. In his contact with photography, he has ventured successfully into multiple forms of practice. The programme includes 20 students, aged 12-13 years, with a balanced representation of 9 boys and 11 girls.

Canon Central&North Africa and MindMe International (MMI) formed a partnership in February 2024 to empower marginalised communities through sustainable development. Central to this collaboration is the shared objective of transforming young participants into effective storytellers. The programme’s structured approach includes providing access to equipment, teaching photography skills, showcasing examples and case studies, and guiding participants to tell their stories.

Through this partnership, Canon, and MindMe International Kenya, aim to send a powerful message about the significance of empowering young people to be agents of positive change in their communities.

Carol Kiiru, Director-MindMe International, “We are incredibly proud to continue our collaboration with Canon. This programme is not just about teaching photography; it’s about empowering young minds to see the world through a different lens. By equipping these students with creative skills, we are enabling them to share their unique perspectives and contribute to their communities.”

Canon's Young People Programme is guided by the concept of 'Kyosei', which means living and working together for the common good. This principle reflects Canon's commitment to serving communities and adding value to people’s lives, not just through innovative products and services, but also through meaningful community projects.

Learn more: https://apo-opa.co/46NP8MR

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/3AvhHm0) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: Canon-CNA.com