Malawi unveils newspaper for illiterates

  1. Posted on Thursday 18 September 2008 - 10:08
    Richard Chirombo
    Image of Richard Chirombo
    Richard Chirombo, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
    Our Voice - a newspaper for people who have not been in school before and do not understand literacy - has been established in Malawi. It is a project of the Development Media Africa Group with an investment of K12 million an equivalent of 84,181 USD.
    malawi_returnees
    Dominic Phiri, Editor-in-Chief designate, said after the launch of the newspaper in Blantyre on Tuesday that their initiative would benefit the majority of illiterates in Malawi.

    “The paper will be called 'Mau Athu' (Our Voice), and news will be gathered by our reporters - who will be interviewing people who have never been to school, and do not know how to write, about their experiences and how they hope to achieve development strides for the country in their state. People out there have knowledge and good ideas but lack outlets. We feel they can help government attain this," said Phiri.

    The street newspaper has already employed 10 reporters. Interestingly, some of these reporters are people who have never been to school. But the editor-in-chief said they will be trained, and will provide the link to other people who have never been to school.

    “These people know the challenges they face and are in better position to understand others unlike a classroom reporter who is only interested in his bread and butter,” he said.

    The paper will be located in Blantyre, and will be tackling issues related to street children and opportunities that exist. Proceeds from sales will be used to support vulnerable children.

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