In conjunction with its five Malawi partners on Green and Inclusive Energy (GIE), Hivos International held a Journalism for Energy training in Lilongwe from September 4 – 6, 2017. The training involved a host of journalists from a range of media houses in Malawi including print, online, broadcasting and electronic.

The partnership worked closely with Climate Tracker, whose resident Director, Chris Wright, was one of the trainers alongside Neoka Naidoo who is a consultant on climate and energy policy communication.

Amongst other matters, the training was aimed at equipping the journalists with information, knowledge and skills on GIE in Malawi has become a well-documented issue particularly surrounding issues of long term sustainable development. Government along with other stakeholders have been working on both policies and activities that are aimed at creating mindful awareness.

The role of the media in achieving this cannot be understated. Thus by involving journalists from different media houses it was strategic to have GIE reported in all available forums. Besides knowledge, skills and information sharing, journalists were also equipped with the knowledge of utilizingonline reporting tools like www.timeline.knightlab.com and www.piktochart.com.

Speaking during the training, as a way of inspiring the journalists, Chris asked them to focus more on the effects of climate change and the lack of sustainable energy which largely affects humans.

“Our stories need to have a human face. Good journalism has to be about the experiences and challenges people are going through,” he said.

He further added that if stories surrounding sustainable energy are told by the media they will change people’s attitude towards the topic. Much of the public is uninformed on the demands that are needed to be addressed on GIE. Media advocacy will henceforth act as a platform utilized to disseminate information and act as a tool for awareness.

Speaking at the end of the ceremony and concurring with Chris, Reginald Mapfumo, who is Hivos International Project Manager for Southern Africa – Renewable Energy, encouraged journalists to apply what they have learnt. He also informed them that there will be more opportunities depending on their input.

“This is not the end. We value our relationship with the media. There will be more opportunities for your guys,” he said.

Commenting on the impact of the training, a student journalist from the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ), Grace Mphwere, was excited with the improvement in her career gained from the training. .

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I have learnt on GIE and I look forward to incorporate my skills with the information,” she said.

Another well-known journalist, James Chavula, who works with Nations Publications Limited, one of the major print media houses in Malawi, expressed satisfaction with what he learnt.

“The training has given me great insight on GIE reporting. I have been in the media for years and I will use that experience to advocate for the topic,” he said.

It is believed that the training will be an additional effort on already existing ones. Government, private and non-profit sectors are working hand in hand in to ensure that the energy crisis Malawi is experiencing, is dealt with. Stories that are published in the media will help policy makers and different actors decide on what needs to be prioritized.