Journalists and civil society actors have joined forces to enhance knowledge and awareness of digital literacy, online safety, and the legal frameworks governing cyberspace in Malawi.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Mponela, Dowa, Umunthu Plus Executive Director Mavuto Jawado described the program as a timely intervention in an era where misinformation, disinformation, and online threats are increasingly prevalent.
“This training will strengthen online safety and digital security practices, enhance digital literacy, and promote responsible use of digital tools. Journalists and civil society actors must understand Malawi’s online regulatory and legal frameworks to make a meaningful contribution to the country’s democratic values,” Jawado emphasised.
One of the participants, Felix Kamanga, a journalist from Chirundu FM in Nkhata Bay, described the training as transformative.
“The training has been an eye-opener. It has motivated me to be more cautious and professional in my work, especially in how I handle information in the digital space,” he said.
Participants were drawn from community radio stations and civil society organisations across the northern and central regions of Malawi. Organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to safer, more informed, and more democratic online engagement in the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by Umunthu Plus Organisation in partnership with Umunthu FM and Chipembere Community Development Organisation (CCDO), brought together media practitioners, activists, and legal experts for a one-day training session. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to navigate the digital space responsibly and securely.
The training, supported with funding from CIVICUS under the Digital Democracy Initiative, also addressed issues of cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and strategies for combating harmful online practices.
