Conakry, Guinea – Despite the inclement weather on Wednesday, September 20, the Franco-Guinean Cultural Center (CCFG) buzzed with the contagious enthusiasm of Guinean youth. This ceremony, presided over by Mr Alpha Bacar BARRY, Minister of Technical Education, Vocational Training, and Employment, marked the promising launch of the CinemArena Caravan. Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this itinerant initiative combines education on migration and cinema. Throughout October and November 2023, the CinemArena Caravan will travel through the four regions of Guinea, broadcasting films and essential messages to reshape perceptions of migration. With its approach to empowering Youth and enhancing technical skills, CinemArena aligns with the United Nations' Agenda 2030, supporting several of its Sustainable Development Goals.

The Chief of Mission of IOM Guinea, Ms. Ana Fonseca, inaugurated the ceremony by stating: "Youth are the engine of development. Our ambition with this caravan is to inspire and equip our Youth so they can discover the wealth and opportunities available in Guinea."

Echoing the words of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guinea, Mr Gualbert Gbèhounou, encouraged Guinean Youth to actively engage in achieving the SDGs at the local level: "Implementing the SDGs requires concrete action. I invite you to be this vector of change in Guinea."

Mr Eri Caporaletti, representative of the Italian Embassy, highlighted solidarity, and partnership, reminding that: "Italy, before being a land of welcome for migrants, was itself a country of emigrants." Emphasizing the need to support origin countries with educational projects, he renewed Italy's commitment to strengthening training and employment for Guinean Youth.

Closing the speeches, Mr Alpha Bacar Barry expressed his fervent support, commending this initiative for promoting training in Guinea. He expressed his gratitude to IOM and all technical and financial partners supporting the project. Optimistic about Guinea's future, he highlighted the proactive actions of his department "to guarantee fair and equitable access to vocational training schools." He proudly announced the upcoming creation of the House of Training, Employment, and Entrepreneurship (MFEE).

Parallel to the main ceremony, the CCFG exhibition hall hosted a travelling exhibition on training and professions, which will accompany the caravan, and a Slam competition, showcasing the passionate voices of young talents.

Following its launch in Conakry, the CinemArena caravan will continue its journey as per the following schedule:

• Kankan: October 3-7, 2023
• N’Zérékoré: October 9-14, 2023
• Faranah: October 16-21, 2023
• Mamou: October 23-28, 2023
• Forécariah: October 30 – November 4, 2023
• Return to Conakry: November 6-11, 2023.

At each stop, many activities will be organized, including film screenings, debates, and interactive workshops. One of the caravan's main attractions is the exhibition dedicated to local professions, aiming to showcase Guinean professions, highlight the country's socio-economic opportunities, and present viable alternatives to irregular migration.

The IOM Guinea team is grateful for the presence and support of its many partners, government representatives, diplomatic corps, sister agencies of the United Nations System, and Guinean Youth. Their participation and involvement are crucial to making this initiative successful in Guinea.

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For more information, interviews, or reports on the caravan stages, please contact:

Lucas CHANDELLIER - Tel. +224 627 27 33 33 - lchandellier@iom.int