Research Program Urges Journalists to Transform Challenges Into Opportunities
The cohort began training in 2023 at MLW, an organisation that researches to improve health outcomes in Malawi and globally.
MULANJE, Malawi — Journalists have been encouraged to leverage their professional challenges as opportunities for growth, writes Chrissie Hazimthera Mainjeni.
The call came during Friday's graduation ceremony for 11 Journalist In Residence fellows at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) in Mulanje.
"It is your resilience and commitment to get the stories done that make you outstanding," said Dr. Rhona Mijumbi, MLW's Head of Policy, while presenting completion certificates.
"Never underrate yourself; you are very important to the nation."
The two-year program trains journalists in science reporting to better communicate health research findings.
Mijumbi, also a senior lecturer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, emphasised journalists' role in agenda-setting for health and economic development.
"Journalists are the mouthpiece as they take our research findings to the public through different platforms," Mijumbi said.
"Consider yourself important because research cannot be useful if the findings end in our publications and desks."
Graduate Amina Harid from Radio Islam Malawi described the experience as transformational.
"The JIR Programme allowed me to interact with different scientists. This has enhanced my understanding of health research and science," Harid said.
Harid and freelancer Chrissie Hazimthera Mainjeni received special recognition for their exceptional contributions.
The cohort began training in 2023 at MLW, an organisation that researches to improve health outcomes in Malawi and globally.