Since the launch of UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Teachers in 2011 in Fès, Morocco, there has been an increased demand for the creation of a pool of expert trainers on Media and Information Literacy in a view to widespread the teaching of MIL in schools and integrate MIL into the extra-curriculum activities of young people in the Maghreb countries.

In this context UNESCO’s Rabat Office in partnership with the Arab Institute of Human Rights put in place together a plan to create and launch the first regional network of MIL expert trainers. Eighteen future expert trainers from various profiles (teachers, journalists, media professionals, librarians, etc.) duly selected by UNESCO are meeting this week in Tunis for three days to update their knowledge and expertise on MIL, enhance their skills in pedagogical practices of MIL, and agree on a plan of action to widespread the integration of MIL into the life of young people in the Maghreb countries.

Media and Information Literacy recognizes the primary role of information and media in our everyday lives. It lies at the core of freedom of expression and information since it empowers citizens to understand the functions of media and other information providers, to critically evaluate their content, and to make informed decisions as users and producer of information and media content.

This activity is made possible thanks to the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.