Call for Expression of Interest: Developing media and information literacy competency of children and adolescents to increase their participation and build resilience against misinformation and disinformation
CEF/ROU/2022/002
1 Timeline
| Posted | Mar 23, 2022 |
| Clarification Request Deadline | Mar 30, 2022 |
| Application Deadline | Apr 6, 2022 |
| Notification of Results | Apr 13, 2022 |
| Start Date | May 1, 2022 |
| End Date | Dec 31, 2024 |
2 Locations
A Romania
a Bucharest
3 Sector(s) and area(s) of specialization
A Cross Sectoral Areas
a Training, capacity building and capacity development
4 Issuing Agency
UNICEF
5 Project Background
The unprecedented infodemic unfolded in the past two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted more than ever the need to better equip children, teachers and students preparing to follow a career in the field of education with the appropriate competency that will allow future generations to grow up resilience against the misinformation and disinformation that can jeopardize children’s rights, public health, democracy and youth participation. The need for media and information literacy in Romania was identified and acknowledged by UNICEF before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the urgency to address the issues has become more pressing. School closures and online learning have dramatically increased the time spent by children online and their exposure to tidal information that is difficult to manage. Hate speech and cyberbullying have increased exponentially, as well as misinformation. The infodemic is creating serious threats not only to the present safety of the vulnerable groups, but also for the development of future generations, who need to be better equipped in order to be able to cope with a huge influx of information coming from increasingly diverse areas and in increasingly rapid pace. The challenge of enhancing media and information literacy of children and teenagers can be addressed only by using a concerted strategy combining a variety of approaches that need to involve all relevant channels of communication, stakeholders and institutions which play meaningful roles in children’s education. From developing MIL competencies in children and adolescent representatives (e.g. organizations like the National Council of Students, Children’s Board), to organizing activities in classes on media literacy and children’s rights, to sharing knowledge and best practices at national and regional level in high profile events, to including media literacy among the competencies of the future and current teachers – all need to be part of an integrated approach that UNICEF is keen to support and advocate.
6 Expected Results
Develop and scale up MIL and child rights competencies course models for university students preparing to follow a teaching career in primary, secondary and education. Organizing public events on MIL and child rights for and with relevant national and regional stakeholders as teachers, media, governmental and civil society partners, child participation organizations, etc. Developing educational materials on MIL and child rights that will be used in schools or online for educational activities; organizing and coordinating nationwide events for students using the World Largest Lesson format to disseminate these materials in classes. Organize trainings and similar activities on MIL and child rights for children and adolescents’ informal groups and organizations in order to increase child participation, build resilience against misinformation and disinformation, educate on sharing information online, increase protection against grooming and cyberbullying, increase protection against misinformation on social media channels, and diffuse knowledge at national level. Develop MIL and child rights materials in various formats (written, audio, video etc.) and for a broad range of audiences in order facilitate dissemination by children and teenagers to their peers. Create informational and educational materials and organize trainings on MIL and child rights for teachers and relevant educational actors (county school inspectors, school managers) in order to facilitate a better infusion of MIL and child rights into the existing curricula. Organize training for journalists at local and central level on media literacy, child rights related issues, ethical reporting about children, fighting misinformation and disinformation when reporting on children related issues or issues related to vaccination, sanitary safety measures, vulnerable children and their families, teenage pregnancy and abuse against children, racism, segregation, poverty or social protection of children. Organize and develop workshops, trainings and other MIL activities for children living in the areas where UNICEF is implementing the Romania for every child initiative (Brasov and Bacau counties).
7 Indicative Budget
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8 Other Information
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9 Selection Criteria
| Name | Description | Weight |
|
Sector expertise and experience |
The organization has solid experience in media and information literacy: it has already developed and implemented projects/programs in the field of media literacy and its interventions proved positive results. |
25 |
|
Realistic timelines and plans |
The organization has the capacity to plan and observe commonly agreed timelines. Given UNICEF is subjected to strict deadlines, this is of vital importance. |
20 |
|
Project management |
The organization is promoting a results-based management approach, as reflected by recent activity results. The organization has the capacity to implement the project, respecting deadlines and contributing with its own resources as well for the successful implementation of the project. |
25 |
|
Other |
The organization has already implemented media literacy projects at local level working with representative children’s organizations. |
15 |
|
Innovative approach |
Appetite for innovation, while looking to ensure sustainability and develop a relevant and efficient intervention. |
15 |
- Concept Note Template