To mitigate misinformation, hate speech and initiate campaigns to raise awareness and promote positive public discourse, social cohesion with the aim of improving the quality of information available in the media and online in Cameroon, the #defyhatenow initiative through r0g agency has launched the Africa Fact-checking Fellowship #AFFCameroon; whose aim is to promote fact-checking, data journalism and digital rights among journalists, bloggers and content creators in Africa. The three-month program aims to provide fellows with the skills and tools to address the current challenges of misinformation in their communities.
The actions of #defyhatenow against misinformation in Cameroon have contributed significantly to the promotion of media and information literacy and fact-checking in Cameroon’s socio-media landscape through training sessions at #AFFCameroon, where articles written by the fellows are published on the 237check platform. The program has attracted international interest, with coordinator Donald Tchiengue invited to Mauritius and South Africa for conferences on Factchecking. Created in January 2020 under the name #FactsMatter237, the quarterly training implemented in Cameroon by a youth-led organization, Civic Watch, has so far trained over 170 journalists, bloggers, content creators, community leaders and digital rights activists in the program.
During the training period, which typically lasts three months, fellows are expected to deliver three main outputs: the production of a fact-checking report, the analytical mapping of viral trends through a social media health report, and community outreach in the form of specialized meet-ups. The training received positive feedback from the Fellows, who were keen to testify to the improved quality of their content on social media and in their work as journalists and content creators. But what’s most interesting about their feedback is the palpable impact this program has had for the Fellows and their community. In highlighting some of the successes, we’d like to point out that, after the training, some fellows like Fotso Fonkam, Hemes Nkwa, Badal Fomoh and Patricia Ngo Ngouem had the opportunity to be called outside the country to share their knowledge with fact checkers from other countries about their experiences in the Cameroonian context, while others, thanks to their mastery of fact-checking techniques, have now become trainers, mentors and even coordinators, such as Mbu Stella, Pedmia Shatu and Frank William Batchom.
It’s also important to note that because of the reputation the #AFFCameroon Fellowship has been able to build so far, one of Africa’s largest Fact checking organizations (Africa Check) has selected us for the Google ToT project this year to train more journalists, bloggers, content creators and even members of civil society organizations through a series of Masterclasses on verifying information by navigating digital platforms. This fruitful collaboration comes hot on the heels of the implementation of the Check Global Independent Media Response project with the Meedan Organization to combat misinformation on climate change issues.
It should be noted that thanks to this #AFFCameroon training program and its 237 Check verification platform, #defyhatenow is part of the African verification networks Africa Facts Network and Africa Factchecking Alliance -AFCA.
In this article, we will highlight those who in their various fields, chose to incorporate or amplify their knowledge of factchecking in their work and those who, thanks to the program, were able to create their own platforms for verifying and debunking information within their respective communities. The lines below highlight some of the Fellows who made a positive impact during and after the training;
#AFFCAMEROON SUCCESS STORIES
Donald Tchiengue, #AFFCameroon Cohort 5
Donald Tchiengue is a success story of the #AFFCameroon program, of which he is the main coordinator to date. Indeed, his journey in the practice of Factchecking began with his selection for this program in the 5th cohort. His determination, the critical thinking skills he regularly exhibits on his blog www.tchienguereports.com and his passion for truth and accurate information, have helped him to make a significant mark and become one of the most respected trainers in this crucial field in Cameroon and beyond.
Thanks to his commitment, Donald Tchiengue is regularly called upon for conferences, seminars and training workshops where he is called upon to train journalists, bloggers, activists and other media professionals. Recruited for the #defyhatenow initiative as digital project Coordinator, he is renowned for conceptualizing and implementing projects focusing on digital and the responsible use of ICT for peace and social cohesion. Furthermore, as coordinator of the #AFFCameroon fact-checking program, he works to create and update interactive training courses adapted to different audiences, to help everyone understand the importance of fact-checking and use the tools needed to detect false information. His practical approach and sound advice have enabled many individuals and organizations to embark on rigorous verification processes. Thanks to his work with media players, he is helping to improve the quality of information disseminated and to develop strategies that can help build public confidence in the media and reliable sources of information in Cameroon.
Donald Tchiengue’s biography : Here
Septentrion Check #AFFCameroon Fellows Cohort 6 / https://septentrionechos.com/
The Septentrion Check Association works to combat #disinformation in the northern part of the country. The association was created on 7 January 2023, determined to lead the fight against disinformation in Cameroon.
After a regional training course covering the North, Adamaoua and Far North of Cameroon, four fellows decided to create a television programme designed to verify the information broadcast online and offline. After a few broadcasts on Galaxy TV Media Group, the group recently introduced the project’s new website and social media platforms. Septentrion Echos is recruiting more Fellows to be trained in educating the public about the responsible use of technology for peace, promoting social cohesion and countering the spread of misinformation.
During the second #AFFCameroon conference, the Septentrion check team made its presence felt by sharing its experience at the meeting. Jérôme Baïmélé, the Septentrion check representative, spoke of the team’s relentless work in media education and the fight against fake news, disinformation and misinformation in Cameroon’s northern region. Septentrion check’s participation in the #AFFCameroon conference was an opportunity not only to sharpen up for the forthcoming elections, but also to present its day-to-day actions in the fight against fake news in their regions.
JABI KATY CHALE #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 8
Jabi Katy is a journalist, documentary filmmaker and content creator from Cameroon.
Over the years, she has tailored her communication mostly towards cultural and environmental issues.
Some of her recent documentaries are; “Breaking the Silence: A Survivor’s Journey Against Hate”, and “Agony of the Blue ”. All of which have been aired on her YouTube channel (journey with Jabi) which explores contents on cultural and environtment topics. She is also the current presenter and producer of the tv program called Nature’s Corner.
Jabi believes that with her pen and voice, she can stir positive change and impact in the community.
Dive into the emotional and heart-wrenching tale that Jabi did titled “Breaking the silence: A survivor’s journey against hate”. A documentary that sheds light on the harrowing experience of hate and prejudice faced by a young girl, who now resiliently braves the odds to confront the darkness of hatred. Together we can challenge stereotypes and break the silence in solidarity against hate and discrimination.
Watch the full documentary here if you have not had the time to do it yet:
Hemes Nkwa #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 5 / www.yohedahealth.org
Hemes Nkwa is a medical doctor specialized in field epidemiology who equally bags a degree in international relations due to her passion for technology and communication. She is also the founder of a health fact-checking platform Yoheda Health Solutions collaborating with several local and international organisations specialised in fact-checking information in the health domain.
She was responsible for the national digital communication against Covid19, cholera and vaccine-preventable diseases. She founded a non-profit organisation; Youth for Health and Development of Africa (YOHEDA) six years ago. She was a United Nations mentor on a civic tech project to strengthen the digital skills of 500 young people in the Sahel in 2021. She has won several national and international awards for her commitment to health issues, including best blog post for the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, best female blogger in 2020, best digital health presence in Cameroon and best specialist factchecker in 2022.
As a member of several youth networks such as Mandela Washington Fellowship, she uses her knowledge, skills and network to be an innovative changemaker in Cameroon and Africa. Her experience with #AFFCameroon was pivotal in her professional journey. It was, indeed, the first professional fact-checking training she received when she joined the programme in 2021. She narrates that this training has opened doors for her to numerous prestigious courses and subsequently led her to become a consultant and trainer for several major projects nationally in Cameroon and internationally as well and thanks to this training she felt motivated to create a fact-checking platform to health related information verification. As a medical professional, combating misinformation is crucial to ensuring equitable access to quality information for the population.
Junior Haussin #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 5
Junior Haussin Noulapoum Kuaye is a 33-year-old Cameroonian national. He works as a journalist for CANAL2International and specialises in Factcheking and literary issues. He currently presents the Factcheking section entitled OUI ou NON on the Canal 2 International television channel.
Junior Haussin is a writer and the author of two books: La plume Noire de L’encrier (2017) and Banane malaxée (2020). He is currently President of the National Network of Literary Journalists of Cameroon and Head of the Literary Arts Unit for the Littoral region of Cameroon.
Junior Haussin is a member of the 6th cohort of the #AFFCameroon programme, a programme that has been very useful to him in handling news within the television channel that employs him. Today, thanks to the tools he acquired during his training periods with #AFFCameroon, he has been able to set up a fact-checking column in the Canal 2 International news programme. The column is called Oui ou Non and is broadcast every Wednesday in the 19h50 news programme. Join him whenever you can and you won’t regret it.
Badal Fomoh #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 5 / https://www.classpro.be/
Badal is an award-winning sports and culture blogger with a passion for communicating and popularising local football. She has worked for leading news organisations covering a wide range of topics including culture, sport and societal issues.
Addicted to new media and obsessed with inclusion and equality, in 2020, when I applied to the #AFFCameroon programme, she could hardly have imagined the impact this training would have on her life, it has been a total transformation. The experience has been so beneficial that it has not only broadened her perspectives but also strengthened her conviction that bloggers can play a significant role in this field. During the course, she says she met some remarkable people among both the fellows and the trainers, and their passion for fact-checking and dedication during the practical sessions were a real source of inspiration. Writing a fact-checking article was one of the most important moments, allowing her to realise that her blogging skills can help promote truth and transparency in a world where misinformation is omnipresent.
Drawing on this experience, through which she discovered different ways of combating hate speech and misinformation, she set about setting up an initiative dedicated to combating these scourges through media education. And so, on 18 August 2022, Class Pro was born. Today Class Pro is more than just an initiative, it’s an association in the process of being legalised, with the ambition of building a civilised, responsible and egalitarian cyberspace where no form of violence has a place.
Committed to developing positive relations with the media, Badal recently contributed to the drafting of a charter on fact-checking and media education, and is often invited to speak at events. As well as touring stadiums, raising awareness and providing training, she enjoys travelling, reading books and discovering new cuisines.
Ngufack Temngwa #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 8 / www.camerooncheck.org
Prior to joining the #AFFCameroon Fellowship, she had limited knowledge of fact-checking and its methodologies. However, her professional life took a momentous turn when Prof. Che Tita from the university of Buea introduced her to the essence of fact checking. Under his guidance as the founder of Cameroon Check, a fact-checking platform she now manages, he enlightened her on the significance of accuracy. Prof. Che Tita serves as a mentor, teacher, and a constant source of inspiration. His unwavering support has been instrumental in helping her surmount obstacles and daringly explore uncharted territories.
The training offered by the fellowship was more than just training. It was a transformative journey of self discovery. She says to have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to become an assertive fact checker. The sessions, both physical and online, covered the theoretical foundations of fact checking and provided practical tools and techniques to verify information. With a surge of emotions proud of what she has learned and accomplished, confident in her ability to fact check anything and everything, she is passionate about each fact checking report she has been able to produce, knowing that it has a unique approach and a valuable contribution.
The training went beyond technical skills, giving her the ability to analyze information from multiple perspectives by teaching her to question, challenge, and seek the truth amidst the noise of misinformation. It has enhanced her research skills, permitting her to dig deep into complex topics and present evidence based information to the public.
Throughout the fellowship, the organizers created a nurturing environment that fostered growth and collaboration. They encouraged teamwork, recognizing the power of collective efforts in the fight against misinformation. The mentors, with their wealth of experience, were always available to offer guidance and support, ensuring that no fellow was left behind.
The impact of the fellowship reaches far beyond the training sessions. It has empowered her to take Cameroon Check to new heights. Armed with the knowledge and skills gained, managing the platform has become a more purposeful and impactful endeavour. With over 50 fact checking reports and social media health reports published, reaching individuals hungry for accurate information in a sea of falsehood has been such a soothing experience for her.
Narrating the impact that the fellowship has provided her with, she mentions the incredible opportunities to contribute to interviews, research projects and connecting with experts in the domain has been of great benefit. These experiences have solidified her commitment to the fight against misinformation, fueling her determination to make a lasting impact in the field of fact checking.
Flooded with deep gratitude, she appreciates Prof. Che Tita’s steadfast belief in her abilities and the unwavering support of the African Fact Checking Fellowship #AFFCameroon has served as a catalyst for her personal and professional growth.
Rene Nkowa #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 9
A graduate of the École supérieure de journalisme in Lille, he works as a consultant in the design and distribution of digital editorial content. For nearly fifteen years, he has been helping organisations of all kinds (media, international organisations, NGOs, associations, SMEs) to build a high-quality online presence for their content and presentation.
Although his profession has made him aware of fact-checking issues from the very beginning, he wanted to learn more about these techniques following the problematic election period of 2018. That’s how he discovered the #defyhatenow initiative in 2019 by taking part in its activities for the first time. In October 2023, he had the privilege of being selected as a fellow in the 9th cohort of the #AFFCameroon fact-check and for the fight against hate speech.
He explains that the knowledge he has gained from this training has changed the way he receives and processes information. He says he is now much more attentive to the meaning of the words, terms and expressions he uses in his interactions with colleagues and in the content he posts online. He says he also acts as an awareness-raiser for people who are not up to date with reality, the spread of fake news and the dangers it poses to social harmony. René is currently working on a project that he hopes to achieve between now and the presidential election in Cameroon in 2025: the production of a podcast, in the form of a series of reports on the issues at stake in the fight against disinformation in Cameroon.
Fabrise Bwamou #AFFCameroon Fellow Cohort 9
Fabrice Bwamou, Self-taught Graphic Designer, Blogger, Secretary General of the Association des Blogueurs du Cameroun. As Secretary General of the Cameroon Bloggers Association, Fabrise is committed to promoting blogging both in Cameroon and abroad. On a daily basis, he assists entrepreneurs, bloggers, journalists and community managers by teaching them how to create attractive visuals that sell without requiring in-depth knowledge of graphic design.
In 2023, his blog http://www.photoshopourtoutfaire.com/ celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking an important milestone in his commitment to the online community he has built up over the years. That year he also ran several successful training workshops, providing a platform to share his knowledge and inspire other graphic design enthusiasts to reach their full potential.
In 2024, he had the privilege of being chosen as a Cohort 9 Fellow in the #AFFCameroon programme after applying 4 times in a row and being selected the 5th time. This opportunity enabled him to benefit from high-quality training in fact-checking, reinforcing his commitment to excellence and accuracy in the field of blogging and news in Africa. As a Cohort 9 Fellow, he says he took part in in-depth training in fact-checking, delivered by seasoned experts in the field. This training enabled him to acquire solid skills in critically analysing information and verifying its accuracy, which is essential in the world of blogging and disseminating information online. He explains how he uses his work to educate in the field of Fact-checking, both in whatsApp groups and when speaking on social networks.
As for current and future projects in this area, Fabrice plans to organise several training workshops to teach participants how to create impactful visuals to counter hate speech. These workshops will focus on using graphic design techniques to promote positive messages and counter the spread of misinformation and hate speech online.
He is committed to continuing to write graphic fact-checking articles on his blog, as well as on other platforms, and will also run training sessions on how to write graphic fact-checking articles. These articles will be aimed at demystifying misleading information and providing the public with factual and visual analyses to help them make informed decisions.
Together with members of his cohort, they aim to create their own fact-checking platform, facthunters.com. This platform will serve as a centralised fact-checking resource, offering users access to accurate and detailed analyses of the information circulating online. The aim will be to provide a reliable and transparent alternative to traditional sources of information, helping to promote a culture of responsibility and veracity in the sharing of information on the internet.
Fact Hunters collective of factcheckers of Cohort 9 / Facebook Page
Fact hunters est une initiative indépendante composée de journalistes, blogueurs et créateurs de contenu qui se sont donnés pour mission de mener des activités plurielles pour prévenir et sensibiliser contre les discours haineux et la désinformation dans leur médias et au sein de leur communauté.
Ndjip Ndjip Jéremie, #AFFCameroon Cohort 10
Selected for the 10th cohort of the #AFFCameroon program, Ndjip Ndjip Jérémie is a digital media promoter and influencer communications consultant for several organizations. In the case of the training, Jeremie initiated the implementation of video capsules to raise awareness of the issues surrounding fake news and the attitudes to adopt to prevent the spread of false information and hate speech. Since then, Jeremie has appeared on the national channel CRTV to talk about misinformation and strategies for preventing and mitigating it.
#AFFCameroon #FactChecking #FactsMatter #ThinkB4UClick #ActionContreIntox #DataJournalism #Media4Peace #MediaPourLaPaix