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Description
Gender and ethnic inequality are still a reality in Portugal, confirmed by information related to the academic, media and social environment. Considering the importance and influence of the media in the production and reproduction of gender and ethnic notions in this social group, the project “(Des)Construir na Web” intends to hold awareness raising sessions with adolescents and young people of Coimbra public education network, that focus on how these issues are addressed in the media, especially disseminated in social networks. The sessions aim to raise awareness and educate for media literacy, foster civic awareness and active citizenship, as well as create an online platform to combat discrimination. The project is implemented through three steps: awareness raising sessions for adolescents and young people; creation and stimulation of an online platform to fight discrimination and a seminar in which we will be able to present the project results to civil society.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to stimulate reflection on the information transmitted in the media through awareness-raising activities in schools. The objectives of the project were to promote critical thinking, educate for media literacy and to encourage students to be active agents of social change.
The project was developed within a school context, in partnership with the Agrupamento de Escolas de Vila Nova de Poiares, a municipality in the Centre region of Portugal (Coimbra district). It reached 58 students from fifth and sixth grades, aged 10 to 11, and involved 6 teachers. Despite the pandemic, the project adapted its sessions, particularly group dynamics, to be conducted synchronously. A total of 28 sessions were held, covering topics such as digital literacy, cyberbullying, fake news, digital citizenship, media literacy, gender equality, and hate speech. Each session included activities and exercises followed by a debate.
The project also disseminated news and information on digital literacy through social media and video presentations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the planned school library exhibition was replaced with three online campaigns. These campaigns included live discussions, poster publications, and vox pop videos on Facebook. The first campaign addressed hate speech. The second focused on cyberbullying during confinement. The third discussed digital literacy and black representation in Portugal.
Key achievements included successfully adapting to online formats, engaging students and teachers, and raising awareness on important digital and social issues through interactive and well-received online campaigns.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 2 volunteers recruited by supported NGOs;
- 3 awareness raising campaign carried out;
- 1 partnerships between NGOs and schools promoting civic education;
- 67% share of target group showing civic concerns.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter conducted a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.