Global Media and Information Literacy Week

During the upcoming week, between 24 and 31 October, the world celebrates the ‘Global Media and Information Literacy Week’, an annual event to review and raise awareness about media and the right to information – part of the Human Rights and the Rights of Children. This year the week is hosted in South Africa and marks the 10-year anniversary since the beginning of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week in 2011. We reached out to Nishka from Grade 12, who is one of the Editors of the Senior School newspaper, The Inquisitor, to learn more about the importance of media and information literacy. 

Information and awareness are imperative for the functioning of a society – Nishka, Grade 12, Editor of The Inquisitor 

Understanding, knowledge and skills are at the heart of education, awareness and capabilities of using media and information determines how perceptions, beliefs and attitudes are shaped. “Having information leads to sound decision making and helps promote positive influence on the society”, says Nishka, as it builds problem solving and thinking skills, asking the right questions and seeking answers, while expressing values, opinions and ideas in a just and rightful environment. 

But in today’s world and the current informational and ecosystem, it is sometimes difficult to navigate messages and meanings, where public good may be circumvented and, in some cases, may lead to disempowerment and harm. “Information is available in abundance due to the imminent presence of social media and the internet in general”, says Nishka, explaining that systematic and structured forms of information is required to combat confusion and misconceptions. “Media is largely biased and influenced, and we hope that free press be encouraged and transmission of knowledge be transparent.” 

Therefore, it is important for individuals to be equipped with media and information literacy competencies to understand what is happening, and to be able to contribute to and benefit from communication. At TISB this starts at an early age. Last academic year PY Pages was founded by students, as a space for PY students to express themselves as well as provide information about the happenings in and around TISB. The online platform is open for anyone in PY who would like to contribute with stories and articles, artwork and comics, podcasts, recommendations, TISB news and all kinds of talents. 

The Inquisitor is TISB’s Senior School student-led paper. The paper is also an After-School Club, where members and students write about their experiences, stories, reports and reviews, take photographs and publish games for their readers. Each issue of the paper is published on the online platform for the whole student body and wider TISB community. The paper also offers students ways to explore and be included in a spirit of unity and teamwork and developing collaboration skills. “Although The Inquisitor is focused on providing news about the school to the students, it’s also determined to provide information about what’s going on around the world in the form of opinionated and informative articles”, explains Nishka, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and dialogue. 

To learn more about the Global Media and Information Literacy Week event visit UNESCO's website.