Mauritius: The University of Mauritius hosted a two-week Fact-Checking and Verification workshop for the media organizations of the nation. The event was supported by the Australian High Commission and Africa Check.
The event targeted 17 participants including local journalists, communication professionals and students in journalism. The aim of the event was to guide the participants of the workshop in producing local fact-checking pieces.
The two week workshop concluded with all the participants receiving their certificates in an short ceremony. The handover of the certificates was hosted on Wednesday at the University of Mauritius in Reduit.
The event was attended by the Australian High Commissioner to Mauritius, Kate Chamley. The high commissioner delivered a brief address at the certificate handover ceremony. In her address, she talked about the the global challenge of widespread disinformation.
She highlighted that it is extremely important to ensure that all the information reaching the public is fact checked. In this regard, she discussed Australia’s pioneering industry code on misinformation and disinformation,.
She noted that the industry code has has significantly enhanced transparency in digital platform operations worldwide. According to the High Commissioner, fact-checking efforts aims to ensure dissemination of accurate information.
They also want to make sure that they promptly address all the misconceptions arising due to misinformation. High commissioner Chamley said, these efforts contribute to fostering informed public discourse. At the same time, it also promotes understanding of Australia’s policies and actions.
She said, Australian Government is committed to promoting accurate information and fact-checking through collaborative initiatives. She stated that for this reason, the High Commission has partnered with local authorities, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to promote fact-checking initiatives and bolster media literacy.
High commissioner Chamley noted that Australian High Commission will continue to support fact-checking workshops. Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies and Humanities of University of Mauritiys Verena Tandrayen-Rughoobur also attended the event.
Another crucial guest was Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication at UoM, Mrs Christina Chan-Meetoo. She was happy to note that the workshop will foster a community of Mauritian fact-checkers.
The youngsters will be able to apply their newly acquired skills for a successful career in media
