“Media Literacy for Change: Empowering youth workers in critical thinking about the media”

“Media Literacy for Change” is a 7-day international training course designed for youth workers, educators, and young leaders who want to enhance their media literacy skills, critically analyze digital information, and empower young people to do the same.

During this intensive program, participants will learn to identify and counter misinformation, recognize clickbait tactics, and distinguish credible sources. Through a dynamic blend of interactive sessions, workshops, and practical exercises, participants will explore how media shapes our perceptions and how they can effectively guide youth toward responsible media consumption.

We will also delve into the ethical and practical implications of using AI in youth-focused contexts and examine how to design and implement successful media literacy campaigns that engage and inspire young people. Throughout the training, participants will be supported in developing their own campaigns, while discovering how to utilize Youthpass and the 8 key competences in their work. 

The training course is developed in line with Youth Goal 4: Information & Constructive Dialogue, and contributes to:

Empower young people to be critical and responsible users and producers of information.

Ensure young people have the ability to recognise and report repeatedly misleading news and verify the accuracy of news sources used.

The training course will be based on non-formal education and learning-by-doing methods. The first day focuses on welcoming participants, team-building activities, and introducing the course themes. Participants will engage in name games, explore expectations and contributions, and participate in group exercises to foster collaboration. Day 2 focuses on getting to know each other, exploring expectations and learning about Youthpass and 8 key competences. Day 3 emphasizes understanding media, with participants researching and sharing realities from their own countries, and talking about different perspectives into media.

Days 4, 5 and 6 provide deeper insights into specific topics related to media and media literacy, which include media and digital literacy, fake news, clickbaits in the media, artificial intelligence, and advertising.

Last day concludes with collaborative planning for follow-up campaigns, enabling participants to design personal and professional campaign plans that can be implemented in their local communities. Throughout the training, daily reflections will allow participants to consolidate their learning and share insights with peers.

By the end of the training course, participants are expected to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in addressing media literacy and media, and supporting young people in creating impactful social change.

Objectives:

Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to critically analyze media messages, distinguish credible sources, and recognize biases;

Enable participants to identify misinformation, fake news, and clickbait tactics;

Improve understanding of digital platforms, online communication, and information verification;

Introduce how AI can be utilized in educational and youth-focused contexts, while examining ethical considerations;

Guide participants in designing and implementing media literacy campaigns;

Introduce Youthpass and 8 key competences.