THE AFRICA FACT-CHECKING FELLOWSHIP – ETHIOPIA (AFF-ETH) 2024 FOR ETHIOPIAN CONTENT CREATORS.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship. The Africa Fact-checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH) is aiming to develop a network of citizen fact-checkers that can recognize and combat false information in Ethiopia. Having successfully gone through the fellowship, alumni will be more knowledgeable content producers who will share their knowledge with coworkers and peers. As a result, people will feel more motivated to develop and spread verifiable information as they become more aware of the negative repercussions of misinformation. They will work to improve online information’s integrity and veracity (based on facts) as well-known advocates for digital rights.

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program aims to support individuals and organizations involved in media, peace-building, civic engagement, conflict resolution, and engagement with the Ethiopian diaspora or refugee community. The goal is to enhance understanding of hate speech and its mitigation in Ethiopia. The fellowship will convene influential individuals from various sectors to combat hate speech and promote counter-narratives. Fellows will represent diverse stakeholders, including youth groups, educational institutions, local authorities, equality organizations, and human rights NGOs.

The fellowship aims to build digital resilience by equipping fellows and their networks with knowledge on online propaganda, fake news, fear, and hate speech. This understanding will enable them to employ strategies to promote digital democratic resilience.

Timeline:
April, May, and June 2024

Methodology:

The fellowship will utilize a hybrid approach, combining online sessions with in-person meetings. Fellows will participate in weekly two-hour online sessions and in-person gatherings throughout the fellowship. Resources will be shared via Google Classroom, and mentorship will be provided through a dedicated Telegram group.

Virtual sessions will be conducted in English and local languages, facilitated through Zoom.

Requirements:

– Age: 18 – 35
– Basic computer skills
– Access to a smartphone or personal computer with internet connectivity
– Presence on at least two social media platforms
– Fluency in English and at least one Ethiopian native language
– Demonstrated experience in media, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and conflict resolution

Ideal Fellow:

The fellowship seeks young content creators, social media activists, community leaders, journalists, lawyers, and artists committed to driving positive societal change through digital media and advocacy.

Target Audience:

– Students
– Content creators (bloggers, journalists, social media influencers, artists)
– Civil society activists
– Community leaders
– Academia (teachers and researchers)

Note: Selected applicants will receive notification of their acceptance into the program via email by April 18th, 2024.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Africa Fact-checking Fellowship – Ethiopia

Source: OFA