New Educational Resources and Children’s Book Will Contribute to the Development of Media Literacy

As part of Media Literacy Week in Armenia, on November 6, the Public Journalism Club presented the Armenian version of the children’s book Online Zoo, as well as Guidelines for Teachers and Educators on Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Digital Literacy through Education and Training. These materials were translated into Armenian and published with financial support from the European Union Delegation to Armenia.

The event took place at the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU).

Among the attendees were the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Head of the Political, Press and Information Section, Jan Plešinger; the administration of ASPU; representatives from educational institutions; as well as practicing and future teachers.

In her welcoming remarks, the President of the Public Journalism Club, Seda Muradyan, discussed the inevitability of using the Internet in the digital age and emphasized that, while the Internet offers many opportunities, it also presents significant challenges. She expressed confidence that the educational materials presented would serve as an essential guide, helping teachers and educators shape media-literate citizens and provide greater protection in the digital world.

Jan Plešinger, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, highlighted that we live in an era overflowing with information, making media literacy a fundamental skill in this environment. He stressed the importance of equipping the public, particularly the youth, with the ability to critically assess content in both the media and digital spaces. Plešinger emphasized that media literacy is a cornerstone of democracy and that promoting media literacy skills is essential for it to be effective.

Marianna Harutyunyan, Vice-Rector for HR Management and International Cooperation at ASPU, underscored the importance of media literacy from a pedagogical perspective. She explained that it is crucial to teach children how to choose reliable sources and make informed media decisions, starting from preschool age. Harutyunyan noted that ASPU has been prioritizing media literacy by introducing new subjects and launching several projects.

Twelve-year-old Stella Sahakyan, who translated Online Zoo from German into Armenian, shared her experience with the audience. She spoke about the translation process, her favorite characters in the book, and the personal achievements she gained through this project.

At the end of the event, approximately 70 attendees received a copy of the book and the guide as a gift.