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(LUSAKATIMES) 2,000 journalists to be trained on monitoring government expenditure

2,000 journalists to be trained on monitoring government expenditure
Time Posted: February 6, 2013 1:52 pm

The Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM), in conjunction with PANOS Institute Southern Africa, will soon embark on a project to train 2,000 journalists to monitor government expenditure in the health and education sectors.

ZAMCOM Director Oliver Kanene disclosed that the journalists will focus on how government funds on health and education infrastructure were spent.

Mr. Kanene said the reporters, who will all have to be based in Lusaka, will be empowered with smart phones that will enable them to access information on how much money government was spending on various projects in the two sectors.

He was speaking during a community radio station information and communication technologies (ICTs) training workshop for journalists in Lusaka today.

And Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) Director for Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Thomas Malama, said government and all members of the public play an important role in positively exploiting ICT for the betterment of society.

Mr. Malama said it was important for journalists to be acquainted with ICT as it was the most efficient information delivery vehicle.

He disclosed that ZICTA has so far embarked on a project to put up towers in several areas to improve access to internet services.

And PANOS Institute Southern Africa Executive Director Lillian Kiefer explained that the workshop was meant to enhance the ability of journalists in fulfilling their responsibilities using ICT tools.

Ms. Kiefer said community radio stations were an important tool in engaging government and communities on various matters.

ZANIS

Labels: CORRUPTION, JOURNALISM, PANOS, ZAMCOM

posted by MrK @ 4:25 PM