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Truthcraft: Young Fact-Checkers for Local Democracy

2025-3-IT03-KA152-YOU-0003795682025Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: IT|TR|ES · Grant: €35,276
Media literacy and tackling disinformationDigital skills and competencesDemocracy and inclusive democratic participation

Objectives

We aim to increase the agency of young people aged 15–25 in relation to the infosphere and local civic life, turning digital curiosity into critical competences, participation, and social cohesion. From a youth work standpoint, we propose a non-formal learning pathway based on experience, reflection, and action, where participants co-create trustworthy content and community initiatives, supported by youth workers and group leaders in a safe, inclusive, and intercultural environment. Needs we address (educational perspective): - information overload, disinformation, and hate speech undermining trust and participation; - difficulties in distinguishing credible sources and producing ethical content; - limited opportunities for hands-on learning and peer dialogue with peers from other countries; - need for tools for constructive conflict, public speaking, and teamwork; - economic, linguistic, or logistical barriers that hinder access to opportunities. Overall objective: to foster the development of informed and responsible young citizens who can verify, create, and share quality information and translate it into local participation initiatives. Specific objectives and key indicators: Media & Information Literacy (MIL) competences: - at least 80% of participants correctly apply three or more verification techniques (lateral reading, reverse image search, triangulation); - measured through pre/post tests, practical exercises, and checklists. Participation and active citizenship: - three transnational teams co-design 3 micro-investigations on local issues and present them at a public event; - at least 120 citizens reached in person; qualitative feedback collected. Transversal and life skills (soft skills): - at least 90% report improvements in intercultural collaboration, critical thinking, conflict management, and public speaking; - facilitator observation rubrics and guided self-assessment. Inclusion and equal opportunities: - 50% participants with fewer opportunities; barriers removed (language support, buddy system, adaptations); - completion rate at least 95% and satisfaction at least 4/5 in surveys. Responsible digital transformation: - production of open resources (toolkit + multimedia content) that are ethical and accessible; - 100% of participants know and adopt guidelines on privacy, consent, and attribution. Wellbeing, safeguarding, and safe spaces: - all participants understand the code of conduct, anti-abuse procedures, and reporting channels; - self-care and stress-management exercises embedded in the programme. Capacity building for youth workers and leaders: - at least 5 youth workers exchange methods (Theatre of the Oppressed, digital storytelling, educational “newsroom”) and co-develop a replicable format; - each partner replicates at least 2 MIL workshops within 3 months after return. Environmental sustainability and social responsibility: - at least 80% reduction in printing (digital materials); low-waste public event; - “carbon awareness” session. How these objectives translate into youth work practice: - Experiential learning: learning by doing in mixed editorial teams, fieldwork, and public restitution. - Peer learning & mentoring: participants teach and learn from peers; youth workers facilitate processes rather than delivering lectures. - Structured reflection: daily learning journals, debrief moments, Youthpass as a tool for awareness and recognition. - Community of practice: methodological exchange among partners and creation of a small transnational network (“youth newsroom”) for follow-up. - Safe and inclusive environment: “safer space” approach, risk management, attention to diverse needs (including ages 15–17), clear language and accessible supports. - Impact-orientation: constant link between competences acquired and concrete actions in the community (public event, toolkit reusable by schools/associations, local micro-replications). Recognition of learning and quality: - competence tracking through pre/post assessment, rubrics, and portfolio; - Youthpass for all, focusing on learning to learn, digital literacy, citizenship, and social engagement; - peer review of the pathway (partners + participants) to improve format and materials. The project aims at youth empowerment through robust youth work practices: not only “knowing” what a fake news item is, but being able to act ethically and collaboratively for better communication and more conscious participation in their communities.

Project partners (3)