OSCE Mission launches media literacy project for lower secondary schools in Kosovo

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched a media literacy initiative with a two-day training for 14 teachers of seven schools in Prishtinë/Priština, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prizren, Pejë/Peć, Ferizaj/Uroševac, Gjilan/Gnjilane and Gjakovë/Đakovica. The training held with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) concluded on 1 October 2017 in Prishtinë/Priština.

The teachers were trained by an international media literacy expert, who designed and implemented the course. They will pilot media literacy in their schools and then disseminate the knowledge gained from the training to their peers.

“At a time of rapid change and expansion of media landscape, young generations need to be informed about ways to critically analyse and consume any media content online and offline,”  said Arben Hajredinaj, from OSCE Mission’s Media Section. “Having media literacy integrated into their subjects will help them deconstruct complex media messages and protect them from illicit content,” he added.

The Mission has provided necessary textbooks in Albanian, Serbian and Roma languages to complement the training, and will continue to work with the MEST officials on further implementation of the project.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It helps safeguard freedom of media and freedom of expression and supports media development.