The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has supported the Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi (AEJ) with K1 million towards its elective annual general meeting (AGM) slated for early August this year.
The funding aims to support AEJ’s preparations for the upcoming AGM. Country Representative for CRS, Sekai Unis Mudonhi, said her organisation is implementing various programs across the country aimed at restoring degraded lands and forests. Mudonhi further underscored CRS’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
“As an organisation, we are passionate about aligning our programs with our values of caring for creation. The environment underpins our livelihoods, economy, and existence, and we are committed to transforming lives through environmental restoration. Thus, we take it as an obligation to support AEJ’s AGM with K1 million,” said Mudonhi.
Mudonhi further emphasized the importance of the media in spreading environmental awareness.
“We support the media because we want stories of climate change and environmental degradation to reach a broader audience. Journalists are our mouthpiece, helping us transmit messages to different communities. Our goal is to inspire others to replicate our efforts in caring for the environment,” added Mudonhi.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony, AEJ’s President, Matthews Malata, said the AGM provides a good platform for discussing key issues affecting the environment.
“We have been given a significant opportunity to amplify green messages and target local communities and policymakers. Our conference will cover a wide range of topics, pooling resources and ensuring everyone is on board to bridge the gap between scientists and the media,” said Malata.
The conference will also discuss critical issues such as the thin plastics ban and the deforestation status in Malawi.
“We aim to send a strong message to policymakers and Malawians that we can control our future and create a sustainable environment for ourselves and our children. The support we have received will be key in setting up a good stage for the AGM,” said Malata.
AEJ draws its membership from media houses across the country and seeks to strengthen the quality, reach, and viability of environmental and science journalism across all media in Malawi.
