World Vision Zambia recognises journalists for amplifying children’s voices through media awards

In a celebration of journalistic excellence and impactful storytelling, World Vision has hosted the second edition of its Media Recognition Awards ceremony to recognize journalists whose work sheds light on transformational Community development, including children’s voices.

The awards event, which took place at Taj Pamodzi Hotel on 27th March 2024 in Lusaka, brought together media professionals, partner representatives, and the  Minister of Information and Media to honor those who have made significant contributions through their reporting.

The media recognition awards were given based on World Vision Zambia’s Technical Programme areas of intervention in health, education, child protection, livelihood and resilience, community engagement, humanitarian emergency affairs, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and the Strong Girl Strong Zambia campaign.

During his address, Mr. Thabo Kawana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Media, speaking on behalf of Honourable Cornelius Mweetwa, the Minister of Information and Media, extended appreciation and praised World Vision Zambia for its efforts in advancing excellence in journalism and driving societal transformation through the acknowledgment of impactful and transformative stories covered by journalists.

“These awards bring attention to emerging issues affecting our children and their future, inspiring change, fostering dialogue, and driving progress in our communities and beyond,” stated Mr. Kawana.

He said the awards honour journalists committed to amplifying the voices of children and vulnerable communities in their stories thereby recognizing the vital role that media houses play in transforming our society.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry believes it has a collective responsibility to empower voices that have been historically silenced, champion overlooked stories, and create an inclusive media landscape representative of the society.

“By doing so, we enrich our understanding of the world and pave the way for a more equitable and just future,” he said.

In his closing remarks, the minister congratulated the winners and urged those who did not win to see the event as an opportunity to learn and improve for the future.

At the same event, VisionFund Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Simon Ziba said World Vision and VisionFund’s efforts would not be possible without the partnership and support of the media.

Mr. Ziba said VisionFund would in future consider introducing a new category that will focus on financial inclusion and microfinance stories.

“We want to see this initiative grow and the numbers of recognized journalists increase and therefore, let us continue to amplify the voices of all, to shine a spotlight on issues that demand attention, and to advocate for policies that promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for all,” he said.

Award winner Fred Phiri from Zambia News and Information Services said he was grateful to World Vision for recognizing his efforts and work.

“I am grateful for this recognition. I have been written stories for over 20 years and World Vision is the first institution to recognize my work,” he said. “These awards are a motivation to work extra hard and contribute to the development as we amplify the voices of the people across the country.”

Meanwhile, World Vision Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Hasse said the media is cardinal to World Vision’s strategic goal of contributing to the sustained well-being of 1.5 million children and vulnerable communities in Zambia.

He stated that World Vision is dedicated to working with the media to promote the voices of children and communities in their stories, thereby increasing pressure on decision-makers to address emerging issues that affect our children’s future.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the media houses across Zambia for their exceptional support over the years. To the journalists, your work does not go unnoticed; we are immensely proud of your contributions to the well-being of children,” he said.

He added, “The second edition of the media awards signifies our ongoing commitment to the media. As we grow, we look forward to recognizing more journalists doing tremendous work to highlight the plight of the vulnerable.”

And in his closing remarks, Mr Hasse urged the journalists to continue empowering voices and shaping a future where children are heard, protected, and allowed to flourish.