NICE Trust Engages Media on Investigative Journalism

The National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICE) in Dowa says the media serves as a platform for communities to share their stories and issues affecting the marginalized, promoting equality and justice.

NICE Trust supports the media, particularly investigative journalism, and reporting, to encourage rights holders to demand transparency and accountability from duty bearers regarding projects implemented in the Dowa district.

Speaking at Mponela during an interface meeting with investigative journalists, NICE Trust District Programmes Officer Alinafe Chikakuda said the meeting reflected on the progress made investigating developmental issues affecting district residents.

Chikakuda stated that investigative findings empower communities to demand accountability from duty-bearers.

NICE is impressed with success stories from investigative journalism, especially regarding James CDSS’s school block construction project. The project was allocated K23 million in the 2020/2021 Financial Year but remains stalled.

Journalists found that Senior Group Village Headman James visited the Dowa District Council offices five times without resolution.

This led to a public rally and interface meeting with the council, resulting in a resolution to construct the classroom block in the same village as previously arranged.

These investigations demonstrate NICE Trust’s commitment to transparency and accountability.