The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), supported by the Scripps Howard Foundation, has launched the three-year Disarming Disinformation initiative to combat the spread of disinformation. This program includes investigative journalism, capacity building, and media literacy education, in partnership with MediaWise from the Poynter Institute.
One aspect of the initiative is a training program for community leaders, aimed at spreading media literacy. The second cohort trained 27 trainers, reaching over 3,200 individuals. One impactful trainer, Josi Gonçalves, hails from northeastern Brazil and is committed to empowering her Amazonian community against misinformation, which deeply affects local public policy and social relations.
In her workshops, Gonçalves tailored media literacy lessons for students along the Madeira River, focusing on real-life applications rather than relying solely on technology. She used local materials and engaging discussions to highlight misinformation’s impact and teach critical thinking. Participants reported transformative realizations about the authenticity of information, leading to greater awareness of what they share online.
Gonçalves’ efforts sparked interest in additional workshops, expanding her reach into rural schools and the Karipuna Indigenous Territory. Beyond workshops, she plans to use Voz da Terra, her online outlet, to create media literacy educational materials rooted in oral traditions and podcasts, making the concept accessible while honoring local customs.
Overall, her mission emphasizes the importance of pausing before sharing information and questioning its source and context, promoting a first layer of protection against disinformation in her community.
