The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts successfully concluded the "I am a Journalist" programme in Addu City this week, the third such installment in a series aimed at bolstering media literacy across the Atolls.
The three-day training concluded with a ceremony awarding certificates to 37 participants from various local council bodies, government agencies, and regional online newspapers.
The national programme is designed to provide academic-level information vital to the rapidly evolving media landscape, targeting not only provincial journalists and broadcast media workers but also civil society organisations and local government officials.
A primary goal of the initiative is to increase public awareness regarding the spread of false news and misinformation, fostering a new generation of informed, media-savvy professionals.
Sessions conducted during the training covered essential professional topics, including the rules of the Dhivehi language, the tenets of investigative reporting, and practical methods for determining the authenticity of information deliberately spread across online platforms.
Crucially, the programme also explored how to effectively navigate the era of artificial intelligence while preventing the proliferation of digital falsehoods, highlighting the key role participants can play in their respective communities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Addu Mayor Ali Nizar emphasised the revolutionary shift in media influence. Mayor Nizar noted that modern times grant everyone the opportunity to convey their message, stating that in today’s world, messages shared on social media by an individual can be more influential than the news media.
"You know that some social media influencers have more followers than the world's mainstream media. They are capable and influential individuals who can reach millions of people in seconds. So times are changing and everyone has the opportunity to reach people. These sessions has shown us the proper use of this responsibility is important,” he said.
Participants, who hailed from various districts within Addu, reported gaining critical knowledge they previously lacked. Several told PSM News that they developed a strong understanding of principles concerning accurate information dissemination and the importance of countering false reports, alongside strengthening their grasp of linguistic rules essential for responsible communication.