MISA Malawi, Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) and DVV International would like to announce the introduction of the Adult Literacy and Education (ALE) Media Award.
The new award will be recognising excellent journalism in the coverage of adult literacy and education in Malawi.
The ALE award targets exceptional newspaper, radio, television and online adult literacy and education stories/reports with a particular focus on any or all of the following areas:
- The vital contribution of ALE in Malawi
- Examples of best practice in holistic / multi-sectoral ALE
- National challenges in ALE and measures to tackle them
- ALE as a key to community and national development
MISA Malawi, CSEC and DVV International recognise the importance of adult literacy and education on individual, community and national development. The ALE sub-sector, however, continues to be underfunded and fragmented in Malawi.
Malawi’s budgetary allocation for ALE stands at a fraction of 1% of the annual education budget. This is contrary to the recommended benchmark of 3% to 6% established in international frameworks such as the Belem Framework for Action (UNESCO, 2009). The current budget allocation represents a significant challenge in achieving the national goals of the sector.
Additionally, very few civil society actors or donors are focusing on adult literacy and education, thus failing to cover shortfalls in existing government programmes.
The introduction of the MISA Malawi ALE award is a show of commitment by MISA Malawi, CSEC and DVV International to contribute to the strengthening of adult literacy and education in Malawi.
The award will utilise the power of the media to advocate for:
- dedicated national policies and strategies for the adult literacy and education sector.
- the widening of national discussions on adult education beyond the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills to a holistic and multi-sectoral approach to ALE.
- financial commitment to properly resource ALE and the professionalisation of those working in the ALE sector.
- a legislative framework to orient the ALE sector.
The ALE award will be part of the Annual MISA Malawi Media Awards that are given out to outstanding journalists during a Gala Dinner organised in May each year as part of World Press Freedom Day Celebrations.
The awards committee will accept entries published or aired between April 1, 2019 and April 15, 2020. Individuals can only send a maximum of two entries for the award.
Entries should be sent or hand delivered to the following address:
Secretary for the awards committee
MISA Malawi Secretariat
Mtolankhani House
Off Lilongwe-Kasiya Road
Acacia, Lilaga Community
P.0.BOX 30463
Lilongwe 3.
About organisations involved
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) advocates for media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information and organises Annual Media Awards to recognise excellent journalism in Malawi.
Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) is an alliance of diverse independent and voluntary organisations that promote right to quality education in Malawi.
DVV International is a German NGO working in the field of Adult Literacy and Education in Malawi and globally.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi
Chairperson, Teresa Ndanga
Cell: +265 999 247 911 or email teresa.temweka@gmail.com
National Director, Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
Civil Society Education Coalition
Program Manager, Kisa Paul Kumwenda
+265 888 37 86 85 or kisa86kumwenda@gmail.com
DVV International
Programme Officer, Pellanie Mogha
Cell: +265 997 942149 or pmogha@dvv-international.mw
