UNIMA CRAFS members attend ACE II Project communication skills training

Staff members from the University of Malawi participated in a training organised by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), the Regional Facilitation Unit (RFU) for the African Centers of Excellence (ACE) II Project, funded by the World Bank. The communication skills training, which focused on equipping participants with skills relevant to communication activities within the ACE, was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2nd to 6th June, 2025. UNIMA’s Center for Resilient and Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) was represented by Dr. Elias Mwakilama, the Deputy Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator for CRAFS, and Ms. Lawrencia Kapina, the University’s Communications Officer. The training also included participants from Mzuzu University (MZUNI), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), as well as representatives from ACEs in Mozambique and Kenya.

The Regional Facilitation Unit (RFU) works closely with communication specialists at each Center of Excellence to support outreach and visibility efforts. The training was graced by Dr. Jude Ssebuwufu, the ACE II Coordinator for the World Bank, who welcomed the participants and officially opened the session. In his remarks, he stated that the training aimed to assess progress in implementing the ACE communication plans. He added that it was an important initiative, as it sought to equip participants with new communication strategies and effective approaches for engaging society and local communities, thereby ensuring greater awareness of the work being carried out by the Centers.

Facilitators delivered various presentations that included interactive discussions and practical exercises. Topics covered during the sessions included understanding the legal landscape in communication, writing for the media, media engagement, and the use of artificial intelligence in communication, among others. In an interview during the training, Ms. Kapina noted that it was insightful and well-structured. She added that the skills and knowledge gained would greatly enhance her work as a Communications Officer for both the Center and the University.

“The training has equipped me with valuable skills and enhanced my knowledge. I learned how to engage with the media, craft a compelling media release, understand the dos and don’ts of media engagement, communicate during a crisis, and apply storytelling techniques, among other things.”

Visibility plans from various Centers were reviewed by the participants and the IUCEA team. All members appreciated and commended the CRAFS visibility plan, which was presented by Dr. Mwakilama, as excellent work that clearly demonstrated how CRAFS communicates its impact to society and communities.

Each Center also presented its achievements since the project commenced. The training concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants.