AFARI Travels & Tours Partners with UNESCO on Sensitization on Dis- and Mis-information on COVID-19 in the Region.

More than ever, the society needs reliable information to adapt its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and combat rumors, dis- and misinformation. UNESCO, as the UN Agency saddled with the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information is interested at empowering the society, with increased capacities of resilience in the face of “fake news”, including dis- and mis-information that proceeded the COVID 19 epidemic.

In view of that jingles/short videos are an effective format of conveying messages in the African contexts, especially for those who have limited access to Internet, UNESCO Abuja Office is organizing a call for jingles/short videos to combat dis- and mis-information on COVID-19.

Afari Travels and Tours Partners UNESCO

Objectives

This call for jingles/short videos aims to:

1. encourage young women and men to identify dis- and mis-information on COVID-19 through monitoring and fact-checking of various sources of information;
2. leverage on innovation and creativity of young people to make appropriate response to the dis- and mis-information on COVID-19;
3. sharpen the critical thinking antennae of the general public for relevant information on COVID-19, focusing on the media and information literacy enhancement and the competences regarding empathy, critical inquiry and compassion under health emergency.

This call is open to all the residents aged between 18 and 35 in the non-Sahel region of West Africa (namely, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo) between May 10 -25, 2020. Women, girls and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate.

Steps for Participation

Step 1: Identify one piece of dis- and mis-information that your jingle would react on, e.g. “Coronavirus is only for the wealthy.” and “Drinking detergent can kill coronavirus.” (This website may be helpful: https://www.poynter.org/coronavirusfactsalliance/)

Step 2: Make a one (1) minute or less of jingles in the format of audio or video pointing the dis- and mis-information and conveying correct information instead. (Some Youtube videos on “How to create a jingle?” may help make your jingle catchy.)

Step 3: Post your jingle on one of your social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram), using hashtag #JinglesAgainstCovid19, #UnescoCallForJingles, and tagging at least three other friends to enter this call.

Deadline is 5 p.m. of May 25, 2020 (Abuja Time, GMT+1).