On October 29, 2026, students from Alibandeng High School in Gabon visited the Gabon Press Agency (AGP) as part of their media and information education. During their visit, they participated in a fact-checking workshop led by Ariane Nadia Mpenga, head of the Digital and Fact-Checking Service. The session aimed to equip the students with skills to verify information in the face of rising social media content and artificial intelligence use.
The workshop aligns with this year's World Media and Information Education Week theme: "It's everyone's business: media and information literacy for all." Mpenga emphasized the importance of verifying information reliability before sharing or believing it. She also stressed the need to develop critical thinking to avoid impulsively spreading unverified content. The goal was to empower young people, a vulnerable population, to discern fact from fiction on social media.
During the presentation, students learned about fact-checking methods and tools, as well as the functioning of a press agency. They also discussed the challenges related to producing and disseminating false information. The session allowed students to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms of verifying information and the role of fact-checking in combating disinformation.
David Joïce Anatole Zoula Minko, a third-year student, expressed his satisfaction with the knowledge gained. He stated that fact-checking involves verifying the accuracy of information and reporting false information. The students' visit to the AGP aimed to promote media and information literacy among young people in Gabon.
The workshop comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media. By educating students on fact-checking and critical thinking, the AGP hopes to contribute to a more informed and discerning public. The agency's initiative targets young people, who are increasingly exposed to various sources of information.
Ariane Nadia Mpenga's presentation highlighted the risks associated with not verifying information before sharing it. She encouraged the students to adopt a critical approach when consuming information online. The students' engagement and participation demonstrated their eagerness to learn about media literacy and fact-checking.
The collaboration between the AGP and Alibandeng High School demonstrates the efforts being made to promote media and information literacy in Gabon. By equipping young people with these skills, the country aims to foster a more informed and critically thinking population. The AGP's initiative is a step towards addressing the challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Key points
- The Gabon Press Agency conducted a fact-checking workshop for students from Alibandeng High School to promote media and information literacy.
