Empower 20 Young Journalists to Fight Fake News

1. Project Summary

This project aims to train and equip 20 young journalists in Goma, Eastern DRC, to effectively combat misinformation and fake news. Through practical training, access to modern equipment, and the creation of a web radio/TV studio, these young individuals will become key actors in delivering reliable information to their community.

2. Context and Justification

For several years, the Goma region has been affected by ongoing conflict. This instability has led to the rapid spread of rumors and misinformation, often amplified through social media.

In this context:

• The population lacks access to credible sources of information
• Young journalists do not have the necessary tools or training
• Misinformation fuels fear, mistrust, and sometimes social tension

There is an urgent need to invest in a new generation of journalists capable of producing accurate, verified, and accessible information.

3. Project Objectives

General Objective:
Strengthen the fight against misinformation in Goma by building a new generation of skilled journalists.

Specific Objectives:

• Train 20 young people in modern journalism techniques
• Provide appropriate reporting equipment
• Establish a web radio/TV production studio
• Promote verified, real-time information

4. Main Activities

• Identification and selection of beneficiaries (ongoing)
• Recruitment of qualified trainers (ongoing)
• Organization of practical training sessions
• Procurement and distribution of journalistic equipment
• Setup of a media production studio
• Production and dissemination of reliable content

5. Project Status

The project is currently in its preparatory phase:

• Identification of trainers and participants is ongoing
• Resource mobilization is in progress

Thanks to the collaboration with GlobalGiving, an important first step has already been achieved.

6. Project Budget

The total project budget is estimated at USD 10,000.

To date:

• USD 155 has been raised

These funds will mainly support:

• Training activities
• Equipment acquisition
• Studio setup

7. Expected Impact

This project will create a lasting impact:

• Improved access to reliable information
• Reduction in the spread of fake news
• Empowered and responsible youth
• Contribution to social stability and peace

In the long term, these young journalists will become trusted voices within their communities.

8. Partnerships and Mobilization

The partnership with GlobalGiving is a key driver in achieving the project’s goals. This platform helps mobilize an international network of committed donors.

We are confident that, together, we will reach our target.

9. Call to Donors

Now more than ever, we need your support.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps to:

• Train a young journalist
• Provide access to reliable information
• Build a more informed and resilient society

We warmly invite all individuals and partners to support this high-impact initiative.

10. Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank all donors who have already contributed to this project. Your support brings hope and demonstrates that change is possible.

Thanks to you, a new generation of journalists is emerging in Goma.

Together, let’s make information a tool for peace.

1. General Context

In Goma, Eastern DRC, the population faces an overwhelming circulation of false information, fueled by insecurity and a lack of reliable media. Young people—who represent the future of the media sector—do not have the skills or equipment needed to respond effectively to this wave of disinformation.

In response, our project “Empower 20 Young Journalists to Fight Fake News” aims to train and equip 20 young journalists committed to restoring truth, providing quality information, and strengthening community trust.

2. Project Objective

The main objective is to give these 20 young journalists the knowledge, tools, and practical means to:

• Identify and counter fake news
• Produce reliable, structured, and verified content
• Deliver accurate real-time news via a web radio/TV studio
• Improve information flow and social stability in the region

3. Planned Activities

To achieve these goals, the project will focus on the following components:

1. Specialized Training
• Journalism and reporting techniques
• Fact-checking and fake news detection
• Ethics and professional standards
• Radio, TV, and web production
2. Provision of Essential Equipment
• Reporting kits (microphones, basic cameras, accessories)
• Computers for audio/video editing
• Internet access for verification and publication
3. Installation of a Web Radio/TV Mini Studio
• Fully equipped space for recording, editing, and broadcasting
4. Networking and Support
• Identification of qualified trainers
• Transparent selection of the 20 participants
• Continuous follow-up to ensure production quality

4. Current Progress

Several steps have already begun:

• Funds raised so far: 125 USD collected through GlobalGiving
• Ongoing identification of trainers and selected youth
• Planned official project launch: November 2025

These steps demonstrate the commitment of our team and partners to turning this meaningful and impactful project into reality.

5. Budget Overview (10,000 USD)

The overall budget is divided into broad categories, without excessive detail:

• Professional training
• Reporting equipment
• Web radio/TV studio installation
• Coordination, monitoring, and communication

Each expense will be managed transparently, following GlobalGiving guidelines and humanitarian standards.

6. Expected Impact

In the long term, this project will:

• Develop a new generation of committed young journalists
• Significantly reduce misinformation in local communities
• Strengthen public trust in reliable media
• Directly contribute to peace, stability, and social cohesion
• Create a sustainable media center accessible to future youth

The 20 trained journalists will become key actors of truth, providing their community with reliable and independent information.

7. Call to Donors

We sincerely thank those who have already contributed 125 USD. Their generosity marks the beginning of a positive momentum.

However, much remains to be done. To reach the 10,000 USD goal, we call on all donors, partners, and individuals committed to fighting disinformation.

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to making this transformative project possible.

With the support of GlobalGiving, we are confident that we will reach our goal and achieve lasting impact.

8. Acknowledgments

Thank you to everyone who supports, encourages, and believes in this initiative.
Thank you to all future donors who will help offer 20 young people a professional future and provide thousands of people with access to reliable information.