Inform Africa in partnership with IMS (International Media Support) has been working on an 8 month media literacy campaign project called “Arif Negari” with 20 young social media influencers to inform the community on how to use media outlets, analyze information, disinformation and misinformation.
A one-day workshop to help the influencers better understand the concept of media literacy and how to use their influential media platforms for a good cause was conducted on Feb 7, 2022.
The end of the first round campaign’s panel was conducted successfully on March 18, with an event comprising a panel discussion titled “Media Literacy for the betterment of society”, the formation of Ethiopian youth network for media literacy, and an award ceremony of a short video competition.
At the panel discussion, the four panelists: Asrat Seyoum (Journalist and Trainer), Mesfin W/Tensay (Communication specialist and poet), Rekik Ketema (Talent Youth Association), and Tewedaj Eshetu (Safaricom Ethiopia PR and Communication Manager); discussed three important points: the relevance of Media and Information Literacy in the time of crisis, Media literacy and society, and the role of youth in advocating media literacy.
As part of the campaign, a short video competition on the theme, “Media Literacy for the Betterment of Society” was announced. In response to the competition announcement, more than 30 videos were submitted, out of which five of them can make it to the finals.
Moreover, the winning three videos of the competition were premiered. The judging of the submitted videos was undertaken by three judges: Dawit Tesfaye (Dir Ena Mag Films), Abel Wabella (Inform Africa), and Hadra Ahmed (Nubia Media and communication).
The winning there films ranking from 1st to 3rd respectively are, Ale-Tegenagnetom (አልተገናኝቶም) by Tesfamariam Dargie, Ale-Mawek (አለማወቅ) by Blen Tadele, and Maheberawi Kibertis(ማህበራዊ ቅብርጥስ) by Bereket Kebede. The winners are awarded 35,000 Br., 20,000 Br., and 10,000 Br. respectively from 1st to 3rd.
During the event, Ethiopian Youth Network for Media Literacy was formed, with the selection of a President, Vice President, and Secretary from the 20 trained influencers. The aim of the network is to engage youth in advocating media literacy. It is believed to also provide an opportunity for youth influencers to work with media development and other institutions.
The Media Literacy, Arif Negari campaign aims in promoting better media knowledge for a better society. Promoting that the next round campaign would begin on March 28, 2022.
