UNESCO supports advanced fact-checking training for 25 Gambian journalists

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJAC), with support from UNESCO Dakar, organized a three-day advanced fact-checking and verification training for 25 journalists in The Gambia.

UNESCO Dakar supported The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication in organizing advanced fact-checking & verification training for 25 journalists in The Gambia. 

Fact-checking is an essential aspect of journalism, especially in the era of constant mis/disinformation. It is the process of verifying how accurate a piece of information is and ensures what is published is reliable. In journalism, fact-checking and verification are essential in preventing mis/disinformation which may adversely affect the societies we live in. 

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJAC), with support from UNESCO Dakar, organized a three-day advanced fact-checking and verification training for 25 journalists in The Gambia. This training is in line with UNESCO’s Infrastructures for Peace project which aims to promote social cohesion by combatting hate speech misinformation and disinformation by building the capacity of CSOs such as media organizations. It is also in line with SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

During the opening ceremony, Project Manager Meita Touray informed the journalists that their role is crucial in disseminating information and that it is their responsibility to expose fake news misinformation and disinformation. She highlighted the need for fact-checking to continue and how UNESCO is a key partner in supporting the work of MAJAC.

On behalf of the MAJAC, Training Director James Badjie urged participants to take the training seriously emphasizing the sanctity of truth in the work of journalists. Lead Trainer and seasoned fact checker Modou Joof informed participants of the importance of fact-checking he informed them that there are numerous ways to fact-check different information and over the three days they will be engaging in practical sessions to familiarize the journalists with the techniques.

Participants also expressed their excitement for the training as it will help them with their work. Sainey Fofana, a participant from Soma Community Radio promised to use the knowledge gained to ensure accurate stories are shared within the community. Dawda Baldeh from the Fatu Network mentioned he is grateful to MAJAC and UNESCO as the skills learned will help him stand out as a young journalist.

With the closing of the training, participants were invited to participate in a fact-check reporting grant to enable them to report their fact-checking stories.