The #defyhatenow_Ethiopia Initiative is implemented by r0g_agency in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia (PPE) and funded by the European Union is launching a crucial media partnership to air a specific radio program called “Itiyoophiyaa Jibbarra Bilisa” with Fana Media Corporation’s Shashemene Branch to empower communities in the Oromia region. The collaboration will focus on equipping citizens with the fact-checking knowledge and media literacy skills needed to combat the rising tide of misinformation and hate speech.

At the heart of this initiative is a dynamic weekly 30-minute radio program, produced by graduates of the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH) Cohort 1. Our fellows, Jemal and Negawo will leverage their expertise to educate the public, share essential fact-checking techniques, and foster critical thinking through engaging content in Afaan Oromo. We are targeting young people aged 16-35, a demographic often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation. Listeners can expect expert interviews, in-depth discussions on current events, and easily digestible educational segments that break down fact-checking principles and media literacy concepts.

This partnership with Fana Radio allows #defyhatenow_Ethiopia to amplify the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, reaching a wide audience with vital information.

This campaign recognizes that trust and influence are key to changing online behavior. By partnering with respected voices and leveraging the reach of community radio, #HateFreeEthiopia aims to empower Ethiopians to become responsible consumers and creators of online content.

Giving individuals the ability to think critically and resist division is ultimately what this is all about. Small actions, such as questioning a suspicious post or sharing verified facts—can make a real difference, whether through radio, social media, or casual chats because peace is possible when communities unite to oppose hate and false information.

Here you can listen to the recent episodes from soundcloud;

We are excited to invite you to apply for the second cohort of the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH), an initiative under #defyhatenow Ethiopia, funded by the European Union. This groundbreaking Fellowship aims to empower individuals to effectively counter online hate speech, incitement to violence, and the spread of disinformation/misinformation.

This program is designed to deliver three distinct fellowships across different regions of Ethiopia. The first fellowship was successfully completed in Oromia, featuring a blend of online and in-person training sessions. This second three-month cohort will focus specifically on participants residing in the Tigray region.

This second three-month cohort specifically focuses on participants residing in the Tigray region.

Eligibility Criteria

• Digital Literacy: Basic computer skills and regular internet access via smartphone, personal computer, or both.
• Social Media Presence: Active on at least two social media platforms.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English and Tigrinya.
• Residency: Must be currently based in Tigray Region.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience and expertise in at least one of the following areas: media, peacebuilding, civic engagement, or conflict resolution.

Kindly complete this form to apply for this valuable opportunity.

The Africa Fact-checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH) is aiming to develop a network of citizen fact-checkers that can recognize and combat false information in Ethiopia. Having successfully gone through the fellowship, alumni will be more knowledgeable content producers who will share their knowledge with coworkers and peers. As a result, people will feel more motivated to develop and spread verifiable information as they become more aware of the negative repercussions of misinformation. They will work to improve online information’s integrity and veracity (based on facts) as well-known advocates for digital rights.

The fellowship is designed to help individuals and organizations working in media, peace-building, civic engagement, conflict resolution and diaspora or refugee Ethiopian community engagement better understand hate speech and how it can be mitigated in Ethiopia. The fellowship will gather multipliers of active influence in the community on combating hate speech and creating counter-narratives for awareness-raising against hate speech. The fellows will represent various societal stakeholders, notably youth movements, educational organizations, local authorities, equality bodies and human rights CSOs.

Expected impact of the fellowship:

AFF-ETH ‘Alumni’ will become better-informed content creators in Ethiopia, bringing their expertise back into their working and peer environments. As a result, users’ ownership increases in understanding the effects of disinformation and taking decisive action to create and promote verified information. As recognized digital rights defenders and part of the newly created network of local fact-checkers, they will work to contribute publicly to information accuracy and media literacy by enhancing the quality and health (fact-based) of information shared online. 

The fellowship will result in building digital resilience as the fellows and the people they reach after the training will have a deep understanding of the effects of online propaganda, fake news, fear and hate speech, which will, in turn, enable them to employ counter-strategies which will foster digital democratic resilience.

Timelines:

April, May, and June 2024

Methodology 

The fellowship will adopt a hybrid approach, featuring weekly two-hour online sessions and several in-person sessions during the fellowship duration. Accepted fellows will engage in a virtual learning environment, utilizing resources shared on Google Classroom and participating in ongoing fellowship mentorship through a dedicated Telegram group for team updates outside of session hours. 

Virtual sessions throughout the fellowship will be held in English and the local language specific to each region, facilitated via Zoom.

Ideal fellow

The fellowship targets young content creators with an influential presence in traditional media and/or Social Media Activists, community leaders, Journalists, lawyers, and artists. Individuals are willing to work towards creating positive societal change through digital media and advocacy. 

Target Audience

1. Students
2. Content Creators (Bloggers, Journalists, social media influencers, artists)
3. Civil society activists
4. Community leaders
5. Academia (Teachers and Researchers)

Who can apply

1. Age should be 18 – 35
2. Basic skills in computer
3. Possession of a smartphone, personal computer or both with regular internet access.
4. Digital presence with at least two social media profiles
5. Fluent in English and at least one Ethiopian native language.
6. Demonstrable experience and expertise in media, peacebuilding, civic engagement and conflict resolution

N.B.: Selected applicants will be notified by email of their selection for the program by April 18th, 2024

About #defyhatenow

The #defyhatenow initiative in Ethiopia aims to foster civic engagement and digital initiatives as proactive measures to address the pervasive issues of hate speech and the incitement of violence online in Ethiopia.

This includes;

• Digital Initiatives for Positive Change.
• Combating Online Hate Speech.
• Addressing Online Incitement to Violence
• Online Ethics and Responsible Digital Citizenship
• Civic engagement and capacity building to promote resilient behaviour change.
• Collaborative Approach