By Mary Magangani & Steven Nkhoma
On September 30, 2024, the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNICAF University, aimed at enhancing media education and advancing professional development for journalists in Malawi.
This signing ceremony represents a significant step toward promoting high standards of journalism through improved training institutions in the country.
Through this strategic partnership, MCM and UNICAF University aim to equip media practitioners with essential skills, foster ethical journalism, and promote professionalism across the sector.
During the ceremony, MCM Vice Board Chairperson Patricia Kamnkhwani expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential impact on the media landscape.
“This partnership allows us (MCM & UNICAF) to offer cutting-edge learning opportunities while creating platforms for continuous professional growth. Ultimately, this will strengthen journalism in Malawi,” she said.
Dr. Robert Ridley, Vice Chancellor of UNICAF University, emphasized the university’s commitment to making quality media education accessible.
“As a partner to MCM, we are expanding our programs online and will introduce a new course in media and mass communication to enhance access to specialized media education,” Ridley said.
The partnership will open doors to innovative learning opportunities, provide access to specialized resources, and foster continuous professional development for journalists.
MCM’s Executive Director, Moses Kaufa, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that continuous learning is crucial for keeping journalists informed and empowered.
“This partnership offers numerous benefits, including access to scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, alongside relevant online courses. These resources will help media professionals enhance their education and expertise,” Kaufa explained.
The MoU with UNICAF University follows a similar agreement that MCM signed with MUBAS and ShareWORLD Open University in August 2024, which also focuses on enhancing journalists’ skills, ethics, and professionalism through specialized training.
MCM’s growing list of academic partnerships aligns with its mission to improve media standards, promote journalistic integrity, and ensure that journalists remain well-equipped to serve the public with accurate and ethical reporting.
