DHAKA, June 23, 2024 (BSS) - The US Embassy in Dhaka has announced 18,430 US
dollars as grant for four pioneering projects, developed by journalism
students and young journalists, to advance media literacy and combating
misinformation in Bangladesh.

The awarded four projects were selected from a TechCamp titled "Empowering
Journalists, Ensuring Truth," that was held from February 6 to 8 last, a US
embassy press release said here today.

Fifty journalism students and young journalists across Bangladesh had
participated at the tech camp, organised under a collaborative effort between
the US Embassy Dhaka, the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC) Inc. and the
Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the US Department of State.

These young journalists received specialized training from international
experts on critical topics such as media literacy, fact-checking
methodologies, cyber security and the integration of artificial intelligence
in journalism.

US embassy's Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli, at an event today,
commended the winners for their dedication to the objectives of TechCamp,
emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting media literacy and countering
misinformation.

He encouraged them to utilize their newfound skills to effect positive change
within their communities.

The awarded projects included coastal voices, empowering media students to
identify news sources and eliminating misinformation and disinformation,
media literacy Beyond the Screen: bridging gaps, building minds and voice for
voiceless."

Each project aims to address pressing issues within Bangladeshi society
through innovative journalistic approaches.

This grant initiative underscored the U.S. Embassy Dhaka's ongoing commitment
to empower young journalists and nurturing a culture rooted in truth and
media literacy across Bangladesh, said the release.
It marked a significant milestone following the successful TechCamp,
highlighting the potential of youth-led initiatives in shaping the future of
journalism and information dissemination, it added.