The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched a Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre at Juba Day S...
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched a Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Centre at Juba Day Secondary School to expand access to digital learning, strengthen critical thinking and promote the responsible use of information in South Sudan.According to UNESCO officials, the facility is the first dedicated Media and Information Literacy Centre of its kind in the country. It provides students, teachers and community members with access to computers, internet connectivity and practical training in digital literacy, media skills and information management.Speaking during the launch on Thursday, UNESCO Representative to South Sudan Yayoi Segi said the centre had already reached an estimated 500 students, teachers and community members through its activities.She said the initiative had also provided many students with their first opportunity to use computers and participate in structured digital education.The centre aims to equip learners with the skills to access, evaluate, verify and use information responsibly in an increasingly digital world. Media and information literacy helps people distinguish credible information from misinformation and disinformation, assess the reliability of media content and understand how information influences public opinion and decision-making.The initiative comes as digital platforms and social media play an increasingly important role in education, communication and public affairs in South Sudan.UNESCO has been working with local partners, educational institutions and media stakeholders to promote media and information literacy, particularly among young people. Its activities include awareness campaigns, teacher training and discussions on digital skills, critical thinking and the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation.The organization has also supported efforts to strengthen media and information literacy in secondary schools and universities to help young people become informed consumers and responsible producers of information.Juba Day Secondary School Head Teacher George Kenyi said the school had students interested in journalism who were eager to develop their skills and contribute to public information in the future.School officials expressed hope that the centre would provide learners with practical opportunities to improve their media production skills and prepare for careers in journalism and communication.The facility is expected to strengthen students’ digital competencies and improve their ability to engage critically and responsibly with information.Sustaining its impact will depend on continued access to equipment, reliable internet connectivity, training materials and qualified instructors to support students and teachers.UNESCO’s broader work in South Sudan covers education, communication and information, with a focus on empowering young people and expanding learning opportunities.The new centre is expected to contribute to national efforts to improve digital literacy and encourage responsible information sharing among students and the wider community.
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