By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer
 |
| Fr. Phokoso delivering his speech |
The Social Communications and Research Secretary of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Fr. Godino Phokoso has commended all partners that came in with their financial and material support towards the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) Annual General Meeting in Salima last week.
“We would like to commend all our partners whom upon approaching them for their financial and material support, wholeheartedly came in and supported us. We don’t take this for granted and this clearly demonstrates a cordial relationship that exist between us,” said Fr. Phokoso.
Among the Church partners that supported the AGM included; Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) national office, Dedza Diocesan office and Blantyre Archdiocese office; Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) national and Mangochi Diocesan Offices; Karonga Diocese, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), ECM Administration and the Social Communications Commission.
Others included Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) from the Public Sector, Trocaire, Radio Maria Malawi and several individuals.
According to a report by the main organising committee, funds amounting to at least 3 Million Kwacha was realised and went towards accommodation, food and transport.
A special mention goes to Fr. Henry Saindi, ECM Secretary General who managed to mobilize some of the partners by approaching them personally. “I will make sure that this AGM takes place. Let me know how far you go in terms of your resource mobilisation drive. I will be able to come in from there,” Fr. Saindi was quoted during one of the meetings he held with the man organising committee at Catholic Secretariat.
 |
| Some of the Journalists that attended the AGM |
During the AGM, a new national executive committee was elected to stir the operations of the organisation in the next three years.
In his acceptance speech the new President, said that he alongside his committee are committed to work for the mother Church through their various skills. “We will work with the Episcopal Conference of Malawi and of course seek guidance wherever necessary.”
The out-going President, on his part said he was delighted to hand over the mantle of Presidency to the new executive committee describing it as a team full of experienced journalists which will take the association to greater heights.
ACJ is a grouping of professional Catholic Journalists working