Nice Trust Trains Dowa Journalists on Accountability Reporting
DOWA, Malawi— The National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust in Dowa district has urged local journalists to provide credible information to communities and investigate corruption on development projects to promote accountability, writes Vincent Gunde.
The call came during a one-day training workshop in Mponela as part of Nice Trust's three-year European Union-funded Boma Lathu Programme aimed at strengthening democratic governance in Malawi.
"Through investigative journalism, the media acts as a powerful watchdog, uncovering corrupt practices, holding the powerful accountable, and fostering public awareness," said Alinafe Chikakuda, Dowa Nice district's Civic Education Expert.
Chikakuda said the Boma Lathu Programme will support investigative reporting to encourage citizens to demand accountability from duty bearers on issues like voter education, human rights and participation in decision-making.
"The media is the provider of reliable information, watchdog, platform for democratic discourse, and mirror of diversity in society," she added, pledging Nice Trust's commitment to ensuring professional and ethical journalism in the district.
Kondwani Kandiado of The Nation Publications applauded the training as "an eye opener" for journalists to report stories benefiting marginalized communities and holding leaders accountable in areas overlooked by duty bearers.
The Nice Trust advocates for nationwide civic education and increasing participation of women, youth and disadvantaged groups in Malawi's democratic processes.