The vast array of varied multimedia content available in the world today makes media literacy an issue of utmost importance. Many YES alumni associations recognize the urgency of the issue and are working to cultivate a culture of media literacy in their communities. From attending the News Literacy Workshop to preventing the spread of fake news to discussing press freedom and beyond, YES alumni are demonstrating their commitment to sharing knowledge about media literacy with their communities. 

Since so many YES alumni have already demonstrated an interest in and deep commitment to this topic, the YES program was thrilled to host the YES Webinar on Media Literacy on December 8. At this free webinar, three guest speakers, including two YES Alumni, shared their expertise on what characterizes media literacy and how to implement projects related to media literacy in one’s home community. Attendees learned about the importance of media literacy and how to critically analyze media messages. YES alumni speakers talked about initiatives that they have taken to encourage media literacy in their community and shared tips, tricks, and ideas of how participants can implement their own projects. Webinar participants also learned about ways to identify fake news and ask questions for initiating deeper conversations about the significance of media literacy. 

Below, please find the recording of the webinar and a resource guide on media literacy. 

Meet the guest speakers: 

Benjamin Thurn works as a Senior Program Officer for Camp and Media Literacy Programs at American Councils, where he leads the development and design of online courses, workshops, and teacher trainings that focus on media, news, information, and digital literacies. He teaches Intercultural Communication at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, working with exchange students from the United States and Japan. Benjamin volunteers with the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) where he serves on the Resource and Content Development Team. He is passionate about media education and emerging storytelling technology like augmented and virtual reality. He has previously taught in South Korea, Turkey, India and Eastern Europe. He currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Ally Gakweli (YES 2012-2013, Kenya, placed with AYUSA in Arcade, NY) is a seasoned writer, video interviewer, and podcast host at the Kenyan Wallstreet, with two years of experience in driving conversations around startups, tech, and public policy. He is passionate about telling stories and the impact of information on decisions. He was previously recognized as one of the News Literacy Mentors by American Councils, working with young people around North Africa and Southeast Europe to counter the spread of misinformation. Some of his featured work includes interviews with SWVL, Copia, Kenya Bankers Association, and the International Monetary Fund. Before his career in media, he worked in the banking and FMCG industries in Equity Bank Kenya and Unilever.

Jehad Oumer (YES 2016–2017, Libya, placed with AFS-USA in Washington, D.C.) is a student at Lebanese American University (LAU) majoring in Computer Science on MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship. He is an alumni of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program. Jehad is passionate about community development through technology. He served as a team leader for the Tech Impact Robotics Team representing Libya at the FIRST Global Competition 2017. Jehad had previously interned at The George Washington University in D.C and MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Region in Beirut. Jehad has developed interest in Innovation policies and he is currently a remote associate with the Innovation for Policy Foundation learning about policy co-creation. Moreover, Jehad is currently working on building Annir Platform, a Libyan platform concerned about raising awareness about cyber hygiene and news literacy. 

Watch the recording of the video below!