Africa-Press – Gambia. With technical support from UNESCO, the University of The Gambia has initiated the process of mainstreaming education on Hate Speech, Fact-Checking, Media & Disability, and Media & Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum of tertiary media institutions in The Gambia.
This effort is part of the UN Peacebuilding Fund-funded project titled ‘Strengthening the National Infrastructure for Peace to Promote Social Cohesion in The Gambia’ implemented by UNESCO, UNDP and the International Trade Centre in The Gambia. The three-year project is implemented in close consultation with the Government of The Gambia and other national stakeholders, including youth groups and civil society.
In alignment with the UN Strategic Action Plan against Hate Speech, UNESCO’s interventions under the project are geared towards mitigating hate speech, mis/disinformation among other information vices under the overarching goal of strengthening the national peacebuilding architecture to promote social cohesion.
Professor Melchizedek Onobe, the dean of the University of The Gambia School of Journalism and Digital Media, stated the draft curriculum is designed to help learners develop creative skills to effectively address issues of information integrity.
I believe that this curriculum has the potential to make a significant impact on promoting peace and social cohesion in The Gambia.
Professor Melchizedek Onobe
Dean of the University of The Gambia School of Journalism and Digital Media
The Peacebuilding Fund Coordinator in The Gambia, Ms. Golda Keng, who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, emphasised that the draft curriculum is not just about training future journalists; it is also about equipping them with the tools to report responsibly, to uphold ethical standards, and to contribute to a society that values truth, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
To the students and media professionals who will benefit from this curriculum: you are not just learning to tell stories. You are learning to shape a more peaceful and just future for The Gambia.
Ms. Golda Keng
The Peacebuilding Fund Coordinator in The Gambia
Lamin Jarjou, senior programme officer at UNESCO NATCOM (Gambia), speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, pointed out that the need to mainstream education on hate speech, fact-checking, media & disability, and media & artificial intelligence into the curriculum of tertiary media institutions in The Gambia is of great importance not only to the media institutions but also to the broader development of society.
Noting the rapidly evolving nature of the global media landscape, Mr Jarjou reiterated that it is imperative to prepare the next generation of media practitioners to navigate the complexities that come with such evolution responsibly and inclusively.
The processes to validate and adopt the curriculum continue with consultation with media industry players and experts in curriculum development. Ultimately the end of the day, the curriculum would be used to equip leaners with the knowledge and skills to identify and counter hate speech, develop critical thinking and fact-checking skills to combat misinformation and disinformation, promote inclusive and accessible media practices that respect the rights of people with disabilities, and explore the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in the media landscape.
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