The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) organized a one-day meeting to orient journalists on science and technology reporting. Many journalists in Malawi neglect science and technology, leading to the need to empower them to create stories that Malawians can learn from and use to develop the country’s economy. The NCST aims to bridge the gap by engaging the media in investigative and science journalism to relay information to end-users effectively. Journalists attending the meeting shared their gratitude and hope to write more stories about what is happening in the country concerning science. NCST’s flagship programs, such as the national research dissemination conference program, allow journalists to capture and report on the latest research activities and how farmers can use the findings to improve production. The Government of Malawi established NCST to provide Science and Technology (S&T) advice to the government and other stakeholders to achieve development through a science and technology-led approach.
NCST Empowers Journalists to Cover Science and Technology Reporting
On March 15, 2023, the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) organized a one-day meeting aimed at orienting journalists on science and technology reporting. The meeting drew journalists from various media institutions in Lilongwe.
The Acting Director of Planning at NCST, Kondwani Victor Gondwe, revealed that the meeting was necessary because many journalists in the country do not write much about science and technology, neglecting this vital industry. As such, NCST found it necessary to empower journalists with the knowledge they need to create compelling stories that Malawians can learn from and use to develop the country’s economy.
During the meeting, Gondwe highlighted the importance of empowering journalists to do investigative journalism and science journalism. He noted that understanding science, technology, and innovation is critical to effectively relaying information to end-users. Gondwe also emphasized the need for journalists to be familiar with technologies that farmers can use to prevent fruit and vegetable wastage.
The meeting also focused on sharing NCST’s flagship programs, including the national research dissemination conference program. Through this program, journalists can capture and report on the latest research activities and how farmers can use the findings to improve their production.
The journalists who attended the meeting expressed their gratitude to NCST for organizing the orientation. Meclina Chirwa from Timveni Radio said the meeting was beneficial, especially given that science reporting is often neglected. Chirwa hoped that after the orientation, they would be able to write more stories about what is happening in the country concerning science.
The Government of Malawi established NCST through the Science and Technology Act (No. 16 of 2003) to advance science and technology issues in the country.
NCST Provides S&T Advice for Development
The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is responsible for providing Science and Technology (S&T) advice to the government and other stakeholders. The commission’s primary objective is to ensure that all matters related to science and technology are addressed to achieve development through a science and technology-led approach. Stay updated by following NCST on Twitter.
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