Connected Media, Informed Citizens
Goals
A project
Supported by
In partnership with
Presentation
The project aims to respond to the need for reliable information in southern Africa amid the growing rise of information manipulation, particularly on social networks. The region is particularly targeted by disinformation and foreign digital interference. These take many forms and exploit political divisions, community tensions, global crises, and post-colonial resentment in an attempt to manipulate public opinion.
With important elections approaching in the region, the fight against disinformation and foreign digital interference is also an important issue for the integrity and preservation of democratic debates and processes.
Many journalists, creators of digital content and users of social networks are regularly tricked into using or republishing information from dubious sources without checking it. As a result, due to a lack of methodology, resources, or vigilance, they contribute to the amplification of false narratives and the spread of misinformation that pollutes public debate and undermines social cohesion.
The project aims to act against the manipulation of information at two levels: that of the media, so that they acquire techniques for verifying information online, and that of the media and information literacy organisations, whose work aims to equip young people with the skills needed to critically evaluate the content produced and available online.
Project beneficiaries
- 120 journalists trained in fact-checking techniques
- 120 members of local radio stations trained in the fight against disinformation
- 80 trainers trained to deliver media and information literacy training
- 190 online content creators involved in campaigns to raise awareness among young people
Actions
• Raising awareness of the issues surrounding disinformation and training in techniques for verifying information
Through regional seminars, training courses and peer-to-peer workshops, the project brings together actors across the information ecosystem to identify the actions that need to be put in place to combat disinformation and to pass on fact-checking methods.
• Supporting community radio stations and the production of content to raise awareness of disinformation
40 community radio stations will receive training in online and offline disinformation mechanisms, as well as guidance and support in producing awareness-raising content for their audiences.
• Train, support and equip a network of media and information literacy trainers
More than 80 people from youth organisations will be trained in media and information literacy so that they can incorporate it into their youth work. They will be able to draw on local-language teaching resources produced as part of the project. Disinformation challenges in the era of artificial intelligence and disinformation about gender stereotypes will be discussed.
