Friday morning dawned bright at the Zambia Institute of Mass Communications, as over 160 eager graduands gathered to receive their hard-earned honours.
The colourful ceremony, presided over by Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, was filled with infectious smiles and joyful chatter.
Two outstanding graduands, excelling in feature writing and photojournalism happily walked away with fat brown envelopes courtesy of Kalemba.
The gesture was to celebrate their dedication to crafting compelling stories and capturing captivating images.
“Enhancing Mass Media Training for Sustainable National Development” was the fitting theme for the day.
Despite dark rain clouds looming overhead, threatening to dampen the festivities, the high spirits of the occasion remained unwavering as dozens of proud graduands received diplomas and certificates in Journalism and Public Relations, Film Making, and radio programs.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kawana emphasised the need for a better media fraternity.
Kawana acknowledged the institution’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s media landscape and encouraged graduates to practice responsible journalism, yielding credible news.
ZAMCOM Board Chairperson, Leonard Kantumoya, highlighted the institution’s progress, thanks to government support.
He said ZAMCOM had successfully graduated students with Masters, Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates in media.
Kantumoya urged graduates to utilize their skills to contribute positively to the media fraternity and national development.
During the ceremony, 18 deserving students received prizes, with two outstanding individuals awarded sponsorship from Kalemba.
Chishala Musonda, the best student in Feature Writing, excelled in telling non-fiction stories that captivate readers while Mulenga Chimumbwa, a talented photojournalist, captured news-worthy and storytelling pictures.
Kalemba Director, Melony Chisanga, presented the fat brown evelopes full of hundred kwacha notes to the duo.
“Kalemba values excellency in Journalism and recognizes exceptional talent. These awards align with our mission to amplify ordinary voices through reliable, flexible, and creative storytelling, contributing to solution journalism,” Chisanga noted.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba, November 17, 2024
