Livingstonia Synod trains journalists on Early Childhood reporting

By Chisomo Sezi

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia, in partnership with the Nyika Media Club, on Tuesday conducted an orientation session for journalists from Mzimba District aimed at strengthening their understanding of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and improving the quality of media coverage on the subject in Malawi.

Journalists after the training PIC Chisomo Sezi

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‎The training was organised to equip journalists with essential knowledge and skills to effectively report on ECD issues, thereby contributing to increased public awareness and advocacy for early childhood services across the country.

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‎One of the facilitators, Kondwani Viyano, ECD Coordinator for M’mbwelwa District, described journalists as the “fourth arm of government” and emphasized their vital role in national transformation through informed reporting on ECD.

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‎“We believe the media has the power to shape opinions and influence positive action. By enhancing journalists’ capacity, we are investing in better outcomes for children in Malawi,” Viyano said.

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‎ Chimwemwe Mwafongo, Mzimba District Coordinator under the Livingstonia Church ECD Department, highlighted several challenges affecting ECD implementation in the district. These include limited capacity-building among care givers, poor learning environments, reduced enrolment, and low motivation among caregivers.

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‎Mwafongo urged communities to take an active role in ECD activities to ensure the success of the program and to promote holistic child development.

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‎One of the journalists who participated in the training and also serves as the General Secretary for the Nyika Media Club, Elton Mhango, said the orientation has greatly benefited the journalists, as they learned new techniques on how to produce positive and impactful stories about ECD programs.

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‎“We live to learn, and we are ready to help transform the country through effective ECD reporting because we are the fourth arm of the government. We are committed to producing quality stories,” Mhango said.

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‎The project targets 75 Community-Based Childcare Centres (CBCCs) in Mzimba covering the Traditional Authorities of M’mbwelwa, Mzukuzuku, Kampingo Sibande, Mzikubola and Mtwalo

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‎A total of ten members of the Nyika Media Club, representing various media houses, are participating in the orientation under the School Readiness Initiative project.

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