European Union and UNESCO strengthen youth media and information literacy skills

Students at Sukainah Bint Al Hussein Secondary School in Zarka are passionate about media and information literacy. Twice a week, fifteen girls enthusiastically take part in the Media and Information Literacy Club, led by teachers Samar Souleman and Souad Ahmed.

The “Youth Empowerment” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNESCO, represents a timely response to promoting the safe and ethical use of media and the Internet. The project works to advance media and information literacy (MIL) as a holistic response to fostering the informed use, consumption and production of media, including on the Internet, among youth in Jordan. This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Minister of State for Media Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the media community and civil society in Jordan.

Establishing MIL clubs for students in grades 7 to 9 has been a key aspect of the “Youth Empowerment” project. The clubs, which are operating across 15 schools throughout Jordan, seek to encourage youth to ethically and critically consume and produce media content. More specifically, the clubs have been focusing on freedom of expression, digital media literacy, visual media creation, authenticity of news, ethical reporting, and online privacy and security, among other topics.

Earlier this year, UNESCO, in partnership with Media Diversity Institute and Jordan Media Institute (JMI), offered an intensive MIL Master Training to 43 teachers and principals. Trainees from Irbid, Zarqa and Ma’an gathered at JMI for four days, as expert trainers delivered the workshop designed to enhance knowledge of MIL principles and to equip participants with the tools to pass on their newly acquired MIL expertise to youth across Jordan.

Ms Samer and Ms Souad were thrilled to be part of the training and eagerly returned to Zarka with a vision for their MIL club. “We are honored that our school has been selected to have a MIL club. Through the club, we feel we are creating leaders who know the difference between what is right and what is wrong,” said Ms Samer. “The students who have joined the club have quite strong personalities, and the MIL curriculum is encouraging them to express their ideas.”

Nadine, an enthusiastic club member, explains how the group learns to think critically when engaging with media. “We are in the midst of a digital revolution and strong MIL skills are more important than ever. In the future, we will be the ones – perhaps not as professional journalists but at least as citizen journalists – bringing stories and news to the world,” she says.

Headmistress Yousra Khrisha is proud of her school and pleased with the establishment of the club. “Our school is known as an environment that is conducive to learning and is producing global thinkers. The MIL club reinforces this and is a safe space for students to explore ideas.”

The MIL clubs operate with the aim of equipping students with stronger critical thinking skills and the ability to digest and produce media ethically. Some participants state that this experience has helped them to shape their vision for the future and arouse their interest for the work in the media. “I would like to become a journalist. I know now how to take a picture properly and how to remain critical when developing a story,” reveals Rawan.

“I feel my eyes have been opened. Now, I question the truthfulness of some news stories and investigate sources. I have also learned how to manage sensitive matters on social media, especially situations that involve children or victims of an accident,” shares Sumayyah, a MIL club member. “I have also learned the importance of not invading the privacy of others when making use of social media,” she adds.

UNESCO believes that MIL supports the development of inclusive knowledge societies, encouraging the active engagement of youth through information and communication technologies, drawing on relevant quality content, based on human rights and dignity. Strengthening MIL skills falls within UNESCO’s mandate of encouraging freedom of expression. The objectives of the “Youth Empowerment” project align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically targeting Sustainable Development Goal 16, which strives to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.