Jerash, Aug. 6 (Petra)-- Ali Freihat - The Ministry of Government Communication, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth, on Thursday launched a media and information literacy workshop at the Jerash Youth Center as part of the Jordanian Narrative Camp under the 2026 Hussein Camps for Work and Construction program.

The workshop brought together 30 young participants and aims to strengthen media awareness, develop fact-checking skills, and enhance young people's ability to combat rumors, misinformation, and fake news.

Opening the workshop, Director of Media Policies and External Media at the Ministry of Government Communication, Majd Al-Amad, said the rapid digital transformation has fundamentally changed the way information is produced and shared, making every individual both a consumer and producer of content. While this has expanded opportunities for communication, she noted, it has also created significant challenges, including the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and violations of privacy.

Al-Amad stressed that media and information literacy has become an essential life skill, enabling young people to think critically, verify information, and engage responsibly with traditional and digital media platforms. She added that the ministry is promoting media literacy across society through capacity-building programs and by integrating media literacy competencies into educational curricula to help build a more informed and resilient society capable of countering disinformation.

She said the training program, which began in Jerash, will be rolled out across all governorates to reach the widest possible segment of Jordanian youth. The initiative, she added, aligns with the National Media and Information Literacy Strategy and contributes to preparing a generation capable of strengthening national identity while engaging responsibly with public issues.

Jerash Youth Director Abdelilah Al-Mashaqbeh highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Ministries of Youth and Government Communication in delivering quality programs targeting young people. He said the Jordanian Narrative Camp forms part of national efforts to reinforce national identity and deepen awareness of Jordan's history and cultural heritage.

Al-Mashaqbeh emphasized that the Ministry of Youth places significant importance on media literacy programs as a means of empowering young people to confront rumors and misleading information while enhancing their ability to interact responsibly with digital content. He also praised the Ministry of Government Communication for supporting youth initiatives and raising awareness about the importance of responsible media use.

Academic and journalism specialist Taha Darwish said Jerash, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, continues to host intellectual and cultural events that promote public awareness. He stressed that combating rumors and false information is a shared responsibility requiring collective efforts.

Darwish noted that media literacy is not merely a modern concept but a practice rooted in the principle of verification, citing the Quranic injunction, "Verify" ("Fatabayyanu"), as a longstanding call to confirm the accuracy of information before sharing it. He urged participants to exercise caution when engaging with content circulated on social media and to avoid spreading unverified information.

The workshop is part of ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Government Communication and the Ministry of Youth to enhance media awareness among young Jordanians, strengthen critical thinking and fact-checking skills, and promote responsible engagement with digital platforms and social media.

//Petra// MF