United States trains Malawi govt PROs to be ‘proactive’

United States government thorough its mission in Lilongwe is training government Public Relation Officers (PROs).

Speaking at the opening a three day training workshop for PROs at United States Embassy Public Affairs Auditorium i Lilongwe   US Deputy Chief of Mission to Malawi, Michael Gonzales said they are training government PROs to be proactive in giving out information to the media.

“Our aim is to make government spokespersons to have readily available information to provide to the media, because sometimes when the media call for information they are told to wait for the PRO to search the information to relevant authorities,” said Gonzales.

The training has been organised with support from the Unites States Government and aimed at enhancing the capabilities of government spokespersons.

One of the PROs for Malawi National Emergency Operations Centre, Jeremiah Mphande said this training will equip him with professional skills in public relations as well as how to handle government information effectively.

“It will also help me in mastering and managing the press office, develop communication strategies and improve the relationship with the media,” said Mphande.

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, Kondwani Nankhumwa Monday said it is government’s wish to see its spokespersons giving out information proactively to keep the citizenry well informed.

He urged the PROs to take the skills transfer exercise seriously and work towards achieving the expected outcomes when discharging their duties, adding that a nation without information cannot move forward in development.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :