Media Literacy in Gambia: Students Learn to ‘Pause. Reflect

A follow-up discussion with high school students who participated in the first phase of the MIL training revealed a growing digital awareness.

Bakary Jarju, a Grade 12 student at Kafuta Senior Secondary School in Kombo East, the training arrived at just the right moment. Before participating in the programme in April 2024, Bakary witnessed firsthand how disinformation could cause panic and disruption in schools.

“There was this information in our student WhatsApp groups that students of Kafuta school were engaged in exam malpractice in the WASSCE exam, and because of that, WAEC will not conduct the exam in the school again,” Bakary recalled an incident that occurred when he was in Grade 11. WASSCE is the terminal examination for senior secondary schools in Anglophone West Africa.

The information regarding examination malpractice and WAEC (the West African Examination Council) not conducting exams in Kafuta was false. “It was a rumour, but many students in Grade 12 had left before it became known that the information was fake. They did not want to miss their exams,” he explained.

After taking part in the MIL training, Bakary’s perspective and behaviour changed dramatically. 

“It was after the MIL training that I understood fake information spreads more because people don’t take the time to know whether information is true or not; they just assume it’s true and then share and forward. Now I can tell whether an online link is true or fake even before clicking, and I also take my time before sharing or forwarding information.” 

Bakary now applies his newfound skills in daily life, serving as a peer educator and helping his classmates and friends think critically about the content they encounter.

Another student, Zuka Jatta from Sibanor Senior Secondary School, challenged misinformation regarding the nationality of Essa Faal, an independent presidential candidate in the 2021 elections, demonstrating a proactive approach to information verification and fact-checking. 

Training youths and students in MIL is an investment in sustainable peace as it builds resilience against manipulation and violence, and fosters critical, informed thinking. It also empowers young people to be leaders for peace in their communities.