Maat for Peace, Development, and Human Rights recently conducted its second training course on "Citizen Journalism and Combating Misinformation," attended by journalists and media professionals from six Arab countries: Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Yemen, and Sudan.

The training emphasized the significance of citizen journalism as a tool for community engagement and the role of media education in combating misinformation. It also focused on enhancing critical thinking skills among journalists, which has become essential for navigating information consciously and clearly. Participants were provided with tools to verify and confirm information both before and after publication.

In this context, Marina Samy, Director of Public Relations and Media Unit at Maat, highlighted that media education is the most effective way to confront misleading news and information. She noted that it develops critical thinking skills among individuals and information consumers. Samy emphasized the societal and professional responsibility of journalists to protect the public from misleading news. Maat is dedicated to enhancing capabilities of journalists and media professionals in verifying facts and countering misinformation through effective tools and methods.

 Dr. Miral Sabry, a Professor in Department of Media at American University, stressed the importance of verifying information and ensuring its accuracy, particularly by journalists before publication. This practice is vital to avoid repercussions of disseminating incorrect or misleading information.

It is worth mentioning that Maat previously held its first training course in July, which saw the participation of 25 journalists and media professionals from 9 Arab countries: Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Morocco, Syria, Jordan, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan.