Liberian Journalists, Others Begin 3 days Fact-Checking Training.
Liberia: The Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (Dubawa) has begun a three-day fact-checking masterclass training for Liberian Journalists, public relations officers of government functionaries and other actors in Liberia.
The training which begun on Monday August 28, 2023, brought together over 20 participants from the National Elections Commission, Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, the Liberia Senate, and the Press Union of Liberia. It is expected to conclude on August 30, 2023.
With support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the training is expected to combat Information disorder by building the fact-checking and digital verification capacity of key officials in government institutions/ agencies whilst ensuring trust and safety in the digital space.
It will cover topics including; Democracy and good governance: The intersection between accountability Journalism and civic participation, contemporary response to information disorder and online vices, fact-checking as a service and practice in any sector, practical sessions on digital verification tools, cybersecurity and staying safe online.
Even though DUBAWA has conducted similar training for state agencies in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana, it will be the first of its kind to be provided to officials in government business in Liberia.
At the opening of the training session,the Deputy Director Media Literacy and Verification at Dubawa, Caroline Anipah said CJID/ Dubawa) believes that access to quality and accurate information is critical in promoting democratic accountability and civic participation at all times, especially during electioneering periods.
He However stressed that determining what is accurate, factual and authentic has become complex with the avalanche of false information online and offline and the sophistication of the purveyors of false information.
“That’s why CJID/Dubawa, with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has put this training together to build resilience, especially for state agencies. We hope that the knowledge and skills gained by the participants will be put to use in the upcoming elections and in their daily work”.
At the close of the training, participants are expected to use the skills acquired to fact-check information for the public good.
