The training, held at the NYC Conference Hall, brought together 30 youth leaders and communication practitioners, and focused on strengthening their capacity to identify misinformation, promote responsible media use, and counter hate speech both within their organisations and in the wider community.
The forum forms part of a nationwide media literacy initiative being implemented by the National Youth Council with support from UNESCO Dakar. Under the programme, similar trainings have been conducted across all regions of The Gambia, targeting youth leaders from organisations registered under the NYC.
The initiative is aimed at equipping young leaders with the skills needed to navigate today’s fast-evolving digital space, where the widespread use of smartphones and internet-based platforms has increased the risk of misinformation, disinformation, and harmful speech.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Muhammed S. Bah, a resource person, underscored the growing importance of media and information literacy in contemporary society.
He noted that the rapid expansion of digital media has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between credible information and false or misleading content, stressing the need for individuals especially young people to develop critical thinking skills when consuming and sharing information.
“Media and information literacy is very key,” Mr. Bah said, adding that participants must learn how to assess sources, verify information, and identify content that promotes hate or division.
He explained that strengthening media literacy is essential to combating hate speech and promoting peaceful coexistence, particularly as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections, a period often marked by heightened political communication and online activity.
Also speaking at the event, Alagie Jarju, Executive Director of the National Youth Council, highlighted the critical role the media plays in shaping public discourse and maintaining peace and stability in The Gambia.
“We all recognize the key role the media can play in maintaining the peace and tranquility that we are known for as a country,” Mr. Jarju said. “However, if not used responsibly, the media can also become a tool for division, as seen in countries like Rwanda and others where misuse of the media contributed to serious crises.”
He emphasised that promoting media literacy among young people is a preventive measure aimed at ensuring responsible communication, especially on social media platforms where harmful content can spread rapidly.
Mr. Jarju expressed gratitude to UNESCO and other partners for their continued support and called on participants to actively share their knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned during the training, both within their organisations and in their communities.
He said empowering youth with media literacy skills is key to fostering responsible citizenship, peaceful dialogue, and national cohesion.
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