Ethiopia
ABSTRACT
The “Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy: Empowering Youth for Peacebuilding in DD Administration project” was launched by Synergie for Community Development (SCD), with funding from USAID, to address the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, particularly among the youth in the Dire Dawa region of Ethiopia. The project aims to enhance digital literacy and promote positive social media practices among young people, social media influencers, and community stakeholders. SCD is committed to building a more informed and cohesive society through education and active engagement in digital citizenship.
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
This initiative focuses on training youth, including high school students and teachers, on critical topics such as media literacy, online security, privacy, and the responsible use of social media. During the reporting period, SCD successfully trained 15 high school teachers, 35 youth university students, and 644 high school students. The program also included workshops for 16 social media influencers to reflect on effective engagement and advocacy against misinformation. Furthermore, the initiative promotes a grassroots campaign, #HATEFREEETHIOPIA, to encourage civic participation and raise awareness about the dangers of digital hate.
ENABLING FACTORS
Key enabling factors for the project’s success include the strong partnership between four local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)—SCD, Positive Action for Development (PAD), (Dire Dawa Civil Society Network (DDCSN), and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI)—and the Dire Dawa government. Their collaborative approach facilitated regular coordination meetings and trust-building among stakeholders. Engagements with the local education bureau and discussions with private high schools helped overcome initial challenges in participant recruitment. This collaborative environment, combined with thorough community outreach, created a supportive framework for project implementation.
KEY IMPACTS
The project has seen significant positive outcomes, reflected in enhanced knowledge and active participation among youth and educators in digital literacy efforts. Following the training sessions, participants were empowered to contribute to a community-wide narrative promoting responsible social media usage. Increased involvement from local government bureaus and CSOs illustrates a growing support network for sustainable peace initiatives in the region. The establishment of the Sustainable Peace Activity coordination committee further solidifies the commitment to continued collaboration towards achieving project goals. The anticipated #HATEFREEETHIOPIA and #STOPHATENOW campaigns will mobilize trained youths and stakeholders, fostering a sense of community aimed at nurturing a safer online environment for all.
💪 Supported by the Youth Democracy Cohort
⚡ Powered by the European Union 🇪🇺
