Maravi

Daka implores journalists to evaluate effectiveness of govt programmes

Daka implores journalists to evaluate effectiveness of govt programmes
By Lenganji Sikapizye
Sun 31 Oct. 2010, 04:01 CAT

PETER Daka has implored journalists to use their skills to evaluate the effectiveness of government programmmes and hold it accountable. During the second Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) graduation ceremony in Lusaka on Friday, Daka who is science and technology minister said the mass media was an important part of development as it enhanced citizen participation in democracy.

“As government that is committed to transparency and accountability, we implore new journalists to use their skills and media platform to evaluate the effectiveness of government programmes and hold us accountable. This however should be done in an objective and fair manner,” he said.

He said the role of the media was to make citizens aware of the numerous projects and programmes the government embarked on to improve the quality of life.

“But if you create despondence with the story that brings shivers, know that your training has been fruitless,” he claimed.

And Daka said the ministry through the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVETA) was committed to improving the quality of training to ensure that colleges had acceptable training standards.

“The government is encouraging more players to get involved in training and also promote open distance and flexible learning,” he said.

And ZAMCOM board chairperson judge Flavia Chishimba revealed that the trust would before the end of this year invest US$ 30,000 in acquiring VSAT to facilitate e-learning programmes.

Labels: FLAVIA CHISHIMBA, PETER DAKA, TEVETA, ZAMCOM

posted by MrK @ 5:04 PM