LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY WEEK AND EXHIBITION 2021

In line with achieving Target 4.7 of SDG 4 (ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development), Penplusbytes, with support from UNESCO Ghana, DW Akademie and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO , and in partnership with the Department of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana and the Ghana Institute of Journalism(GIJ) commenced the Media and Information Literacy Week with a launch and exhibition on the 22^nd of October, 2021 at the Advance Information Technology Institute- Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence.

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on 22^nd of October ,2021 launched the 10th Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) week, scheduled to take place from October 24 to 31, to improve the accurate dissemination of information. Mr Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the hard work over the years by Penplusbytes, a non-governmental organization, UNESCO and other partners. He emphasized that the event was a major occasion for stakeholders to reflect and celebrate the progress achieved towards MIL for all. He also stated that the Ministry of Information, in its effort to improve the capacities of media practitioners on quality information dissemination, had introduced the Minister’s Press briefing series and other capacity building initiatives for various target groups, particularly the youth.

According to Ms Juliet Amoah, Executive Director of Penplusbytes, the MIL Index revealed that adolescents aged 15 to 25 who used smart phones were on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and were frequently subjected to cyberbullying and other forms of abuse. She indicated that her organization has consistently offered training for adolescents and others, including media professionals, to provide information that would assist them avoid such abuses. Ms Amoah said the week’s events will include youth engagement dialogues, a roadshow, and the premiere of a documentary called “Rumour Series,” which aims to educate the public on how false information can harm society.

There were solidarity messages from the partners including Ghana Commission for UNESCO, UNESCO Ghana, DW Akademie, the Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, and the Ghana Institute of Journalism, who pledged their support to enhancing media and information literacy for all.

The launch ended with an open exhibition where all partners showcased their products and what they do about Media and Information Literacy.

This year marks 10 years since the seeds of Global Media and Information Literacy Week was planted in 2011 in Fez, Morocco, and captured in the Fez Declaration on Media and Information Literacy (MIL). “The theme for this year’s Global MIL Week is “Media and Information Literacy for the Public Good”.