From September 30 – October 3, 2024, Meri Hyöky represented The Hub at the ‘Building Resilient Information Ecosystems in Southern Africa’ conference on the future of journalism, education, free expression advocacy and media and information literacy in Windhoek, Namibia. The Hub was invited by DW Akademie, co-hosts of the conference together with the Namibia Media Trust, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and CITE.
Graphic Recordings:
Graphic Recordings by Lulu Kitolo of the Spaces of Solidarity session:
Kananelo Boloetse, the Chairperson of MISA Lesotho, was also in attendance, and shared insight into Freedom of Expression in Lesotho, while The Hub shared our experiences on Access to Information and MIL education in Lesotho.
Programme:
Building Resilient Information Ecosystems in Southern Africa
From Spaces of Solidarity Survey 2024 across SADC countries:
“What role should technology (social media, internet, mobile telephone) play in improving the freedom of the media, freedom of expression and access to the information landscape?
- Amplifying marginalized voices: Technology can help amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.
- Dissemination of credible information: Technology should be used to spread accurate and verified information.
- Combating misinformation and disinformation: Efforts should be made to tackle false information while enabling free expression.
- Access to information: Technology should broaden access to information, especially for marginalized or rural populations.
- Education and digital literacy: Training and awareness are needed to use technology responsibly and effectively.
- Media sustainability: Technology can reduce costs (e.g., print media) and help sustain media organizations.
- Citizen journalism and public participation: Technology empowers citizens to participate in journalism and public debates.
- Cost of data and internet access: Reducing the cost of internet access and data is crucial for ensuring widespread usage.
- Supporting media pluralism: Technology should provide diverse platforms and support freedom of the media.
- Transparency and accountability: Technology should facilitate transparency and help hold governments and public figures accountable.
- Legal frameworks: Governments should enact and support laws that promote digital rights and protect media freedom.”
In partnership with DW Akademie, The Hub has been facilitating Media and Information Literacy education in Lesotho since 2019. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) means knowing how to find, understand, and use information from different sources like TV, newspapers, and the internet. It helps you tell if the information is true or biased, and teaches you how to create and share your own content responsibly. These skills are important for making good decisions and staying informed in today’s world. MIL also supports freedom of expression by allowing people to share their ideas and opinions effectively and responsibly.
Learn more about The Hub’s MIL educational projects and see the content: thehubatmorija.co.ls/mil
Thank you to DW Akademie for supporting MIL in Lesotho!
The Hub 