Odesa Launches Media Literacy Club to Combat Disinformation and Foster Critical Thinking

A community of active Odessans who want to better understand the information space and resist manipulation has created the Media Literacy Club in Odesa.

As the organizers explained, the Club's goal is to help community members develop critical thinking, learn to recognize fakes, and consciously consume information.

They do not just hold events, but create an environment where media literacy becomes part of life.

"Our strength is in the community. We don't just organize events, we build a team of like-minded people who want to change the information space," explained Yevhen Popesko, the Club's leader.

The Club's first workshop was held at a youth center and was dedicated to media manipulation. The participants analyzed real-life examples, learned how to verify information, and discussed their observations.

The club plans to grow and attract more resources and partners. The main goal is to unite even more Odessans to teach them to think critically and not to be misinformed.

You can currently follow the announcements of the Odesa Media Literacy Club on Instagram or contact the Club's leader, Yevhen Popesko.

The club was opened in Odesa as part of the project "Strengthening Truth, Transparency and Democracy to Counter Disinformation". It is implemented by the NGO Internews Ukraine with the support of the Government of Canada.

Initially, leaders and volunteers of clubs in 12 cities and towns of Ukraine attended trainings on countering disinformation and teamwork. And now they themselves are organizing events for those who want to develop critical thinking and learn fact-checking skills.

"Media literacy is a real shield for us, who are attacked by propaganda every second. Everyone has to do what they can do most effectively. We work with real partners who help their communities and thus the whole of Ukraine," said Konstantin Kvurt, Chairman of the Board of Internews Ukraine.

You can learn more about the clubs, the regions where they operate, and their events on the Instagram page.

Кирило Бойко