“With this comprehensive training program, we are very hopeful that participants will gain valuable skills and knowledge to effectively combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation within their communities; because these are things that undermines developments and also drives away investors from our communities”
By Staff Writer
VOINJAMA, Liberia- A movement aimed at combating misinformation and disinformation has been established in the northwestern Lofa County.
The Movement comprises Journalists from all 12 radio stations across the county was established over the weekend (Saturday September 7, 2024). It includes high school press clubs, civil society actors, persons with disability as well as local authorities.
The group, according to its vision bearer Tokpa Tarnue, has a total of 50 members from the various sector listed above.
Journalist Tarnue, who is 2023 alumni of the US State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), disclosed that the initiative will strengthen networking amongst the various institutions represented by various participants attending the training program.
“This is part of the 2024 IVLP Impact Awards Project undertaken by alumni with funding provided by the US Department of States-Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with the Meridian International Center as Implementing Partner,” Mr. Tarnue said.
Journalist Tokpa Tarnue making a presentation at the program
“These financial supports are provided to alumni of the IVLP Program as part of effort to share the knowledge and skills they gained during their participation in the International Visitors Leadership Program in the United States; meaning, you have an opportunity to give back to your community,” he further mentioned.
Journalist Tarnue named Understanding Misinformation and Disinformation and its Impacts on the Community/Society, an In-depth Examination of Fake News and Hate Speeches and their Detrimental Effects on Society as well as Journalism and Fact-Checking as key focus of the ongoing training.
The double award-winning Liberian Journalist expressed his gratitude for the opportunity he had to benefit from the IVLP program and further revealed that participants successfully completing all three phases of the training program are expected to be certificated.
In special remarks, Methuselah M. Gbigbi, Administrative Assistant in the Office of the County Superintendent Lavele Massaquoi, emphasized the Commitment of the County Administration to collaborate with the Media in Combating Disinformation and Misinformation.
“With this comprehensive training program, we are very hopeful that participants will gain valuable skills and knowledge to effectively combat the spread of disinformation and misinformation within their communities; because these are things that undermines developments and also drives away investors from our communities,” Mr Gbigbi noted.