By Panashe Kaseke
Bustop TV, a renowned Zimbabwean media outlet, commemorated World Press Freedom Day by hosting a Media Literacy Training workshop in Goromonzi, aimed at empowering community members with essential media skills and knowledge.
The workshop, held on May 3, brought together a diverse group of participants, including local residents, local governance, and aspiring journalists.
Through a series of interactive sessions and practical exercises, attendees learned about the importance of media literacy in today’s digital age and how to critically analyze and interpret news and information.
Speaking at the workshop, Melissa Mwedzi, Bustop TV’s Monitoring and Evaluation officer, emphasized the role of media literacy in promoting a free and democratic society.
“Media literacy is not just about consuming information, but also about understanding its sources, motives, and impact,” she said. “By empowering people with media literacy skills, we enable them to make informed decisions and engage critically with the media.”
“The media literacy training conducted by Bustop TV on World Freedom Day had a significant impact on the marginalized communities of Goromonzi. By educating 35 participants, mostly women, on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, we empowered individuals with crucial knowledge. Many attendees noted that it was their first exposure to such a workshop, indicating a vital gap that our initiative effectively addressed.
“The participants recognized the importance of the training in their community, where access to accurate information is often limited. Through the workshop, they gained awareness of misinformation and disinformation and developed skills to identify and combat them. Importantly, they expressed a strong intention to share their newfound knowledge with others in their community, leveraging platforms like church gatherings, WhatsApp groups, and other social circles,” she added.
Participants praised the workshop for its practical approach and relevance to their daily lives.
“I learned how to spot fake news and misinformation, which is especially important in today’s era of social media,” said Emilia Dumba one of the attendees. “I now feel more confident in my ability to navigate the media landscape and separate fact from fiction.”
Isaac Tavengwa Bhachi, the councillor for Goromonzi North Ward 17, was also present and expressed gratitude for such valuable information being disseminated in their community.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for participants to share their new found knowledge with their communities and become advocates for media literacy.
“By spreading the message of media literacy, we can create a more informed and empowered society,” said the facilitator, Mlondolozi Ndlovu during the workshop.
This initiative by Bustop TV in Goromonzi underscores the importance of press freedom and media literacy in Zimbabwe. While the country has made progress in improving press freedom, challenges such as harassment and intimidation of journalists persist.
Events like these not only empower communities but also highlight the crucial role of a free and independent press in promoting transparency and accountability. As Zimbabwe continues on its path towards a more democratic society, initiatives like the Media Literacy Training workshop play a vital role in empowering citizens and strengthening the foundations of democracy.
