Civic Watch and UNESCO MGIEP carry a two day training of trainers on media literacy.

Association Civic Watch is pleased to partner with UNESCO MGIEP to train journalists and content creators in media literacy. This partnership began with a delegation from India that joined the Civic Watch team in Douala, Cameroon, to kick off their first onsite training session. The Civic Watch team, led by Ngala Desmond Ngala, welcomed Dr. Obijiofor Aginam, Director of UNESCO MGIEP, along with Richa Bansal, Associate National Project Officer for SEL Youth Projects, and Anurag Deep, Associate National Project Officer for Digital Pedagogy Design. Together, they trained 40 participants in media literacy.

The two-day training, held from October 4th to 5th, focused on the theme “Media Literacy Course: Fostering a Cognitive Approach.” This training is particularly timely as Cameroon approaches its election period in 2025, a time characterised by a surge in information that often includes misinformation, fake news, and hate speech.

The training aims to equip participants to become active digital citizens capable of evaluating the effects of online behaviour. They will learn to identify messages online, assess the credibility of information sources, and distinguish between false information and fake news. This program will foster an emotional approach that participants can apply in their communities.

Richa Bansal and Anurag Deep, the main trainers, shared the focus of the training. They trained the Young Master Trainers on topics such as Media Literacy, Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake News, Fact-checking, Source Credibility, Media Bias, Hate Speech, Perspective Talk, and Critical Inquiry.

Participants identified as Young Master Trainers in Media Literacy will become trainers in their communities after the workshop. This is a unique aspect of the training, which aims to empower youth to navigate the social media landscape effectively. Participants also went through a Social Emotional Course, which will assist them in their community training.

At the end of the workshop, participants will receive certificates. Additionally, the training will continue online, with participants able to undergo free online training that also includes a certificate upon completion. Feel free to check out this link to take a course. https://mgiep.unesco.org/media-literacy . You can also visit this link to take any course of your choice here https://mgiep.unesco.org/ .

An interview provided further insights into the training and the partnership between the two organizations.

While in Douala on October 4, 2024, Civic Watch, led by Ngala Desmond, visited the MTN Douala office with members of UNESCO Yaoundé, Hugues Ndih, and Serge Bayembe, alongside Richa Bansal from UNESCO MGIEP. This visit aimed to discuss how collaboration between these entities could help promote effective communication while implementing Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

During Dr. Obijiofor Aginam’s visit to Yaoundé, he had the opportunity to meet some of Civic Watch’s partners. He visited the UNESCO Yaoundé office and met with the Cameroon National Youth Council, the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism (NCPBM), the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education, the Pan African Institute, the Protestant University, and the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC). They discussed how Media Literacy, Peace Education, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) courses can be implemented in institutions, schools, and media organizations in Cameroon.  

These efforts are promising for the future of implementing MIL and SEL courses in #Cameroon, as these skills are essential for building peaceful communities and bridging divides among young people, communities, religions, and tribes. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a #HateFreeCameroon through collective efforts from the government, private sector, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and international bodies. Civic Watch is determined to collaborate with partners to bridge these divides and promote social cohesion. 

Reaction from participants.

1- Tanta Patience: “ The key messages I took home from the just ended training on media and information literacy are, the importance of critically evaluating the sources and credibility of information we see and share on social media platforms. In this digital age, understanding how we effectively navigate, analyze, and share reliable media content is crucial to becoming informed as creators of information. Also, being empowered to combat misinformation and engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives. Also, being able to understand what we see on social media before reacting is of utmost importance ”.

2- Abubakar Aliyu: “ My key take-home message from the recent Media Information Literacy (MIL) training is the profound impact that media literacy has on our communities. I have learned some vital aspects, including: 

 Hate Speech Undermines Social Cohesion: It’s crucial to recognize how harmful language can fracture our communities and promote division. Addressing hate speech is essential for fostering unity and understanding.

Taking Sight is Media Bias: Understanding media bias helps us critically analyze the information we consume, enabling us to distinguish between objective reporting and subjective viewpoints. 

Clear Communication and Mindfulness Enhance Understanding: Effective communication is not just about conveying messages but also about being mindful of how those messages are received. This awareness can significantly improve our interactions and comprehension. 

Check the Information and Source Credibility: I’ve learned the importance of verifying facts and assessing the credibility of sources. This skill is essential in navigating today’s information landscape, where misinformation can easily spread. Additionally, I have gained new knowledge and skills that empower me to contribute positively to my community. Networking with many individuals from diverse backgrounds has been invaluable. We are all united in our goal to enhance media information literacy and train others in our communities. Together, we can create a more informed society that values critical thinking and responsible media consumption. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and to collaborate with others to scale up these essential skills”.