Gov’t and World Vision Zambia Collaborate to Empower Communities and Enhance Media Professionalism
During the second edition of the World Vision Zambia Media Recognition Awards ceremony in Lusaka, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, delivered remarks through Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the government and World Vision Zambia.
The Minister expressed gratitude for World Vision’s longstanding role in Zambia’s development, particularly its advocacy for children’s rights and promotion of sustainable development.
Over the years, World Vision’s initiatives have brought about positive change in various sectors, including access to clean water, sanitation, education, and livelihood improvement, addressing critical societal challenges.
Of notable significance was the establishment of the Media Recognition Awards by World Vision to honor journalists whose work sheds light on issues affecting children and the nation’s future.
The government commended this initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the agenda to cultivate a professional media landscape capable of effecting positive societal change.
Moreover, the Minister underscored the importance of media professionalism in informing the public, particularly regarding recent economic milestones such as the successful debt restructuring with Eurobond holders, amounting to 3.5 billion United States Dollars.
In emphasizing the media’s role in communicating such developments, the government urged journalists to elucidate the implications and benefits of these initiatives to the public, underscoring the importance of clear and informative communication.
Moreover, the government reiterated its commitment to supporting media practitioners, ensuring an environment conducive to their growth, where their voices are heard, and their freedoms protected. The Ministry acknowledged the significance of fair and balanced media coverage in portraying accurate narratives and fostering informed public discourse.
The collaborative partnership between the government and World Vision extends beyond recognition awards, encompassing critical sectors such as Water, Sanitation, Hygiene (WASH), Education, Livelihoods, Child Protection, and Health.
This partnership underscores shared developmental goals and a commitment to empowering rural communities. World Vision’s grassroots development approach aligns seamlessly with the government’s agenda of decentralizing governance and promoting community-led initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
In conclusion, while congratulating the winners of the Media Recognition Awards, the Minister encouraged all media professionals to view this event as an opportunity for improvement and growth in their journalistic endeavors.
