In a world where information floods our screens with just a click, navigating through the vast sea of content can be dangerous. Recognizing the crucial need to equip today’s youth with the tools to discern truth from fiction in the digital landscape, a Media and Digital Literacy Training Program was recently held on the 27th of April 2024, at the Caritas Sri Lanka auditorium.
This program was funded by CAFOD and graced by the presence of Dr Pradeep N. Weerasinghe, Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mass Media at the University of Colombo, the program aimed to improve media and digital literacy among the youth.
With a diverse mix of male and female beneficiaries along with key stakeholders including the National Director and Program Coordinators, the atmosphere filled with anticipation as participants actively delved into the day’s agenda.
Throughout the sessions, Dr Weerasinghe guided the attendees through a journey of discovery, highlighting the mischievousness of media consumption in today’s society. From distinguishing between citizen and consumer roles to unravelling the complexity of social media’s impact, participants gained invaluable insights into the digital realm.
Engaging in lively discussions and interactive group activities, the youth showcased their enthusiasm to learn and absorb knowledge. Through collaborative efforts and thoughtful presentations, they explored the positive and negative aspects of social media and sharpened their skills in discerning authentic information from misleading content.
One of the program’s highlights was the emphasis on identifying false information, particularly on platforms like Facebook. Armed with newfound literacy techniques, participants were left equipped to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and critical thinking.
As the day drew to a close, the resounding feedback echoed a sense of empowerment. The young attendees expressed their enthusiasm to delve deeper into the subject matter, fueled by a newfound curiosity and understanding.
In essence, the Media and Digital Literacy Training Program was an inspiration, illuminating the path towards a digitally literate generation empowered to navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape.
