April 12, 2021

Alumni from 12 Countries Come Together to Tackle Disinformation, Strengthen Democracy

This month, more than 50 exchange program alumni from 12 countries throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States joined veteran TechCamp trainers and other leading international experts for a virtual seminar to combat disinformation and increase media literacy. The first-ever Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminar (TIES) TechCamp Reconnect provided opportunities for international exchange alumni to strengthen their knowledge and skills in media literacy surrounding democratic governance, transparency, elections, anti-corruption, and post-COVID-19 disinformation. This was the first time exchange alumni from the U.S. joined a TechCamp program, as well as the first time TechCamp alumni participated in an ECA Exchange Alumni program.

Participants received training, mentorship, and support to build their technical and subject matter capabilities and networked with leading professionals in their fields across the Americas. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs designed the seminar with experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace´s ¨PeaceTechLab” and the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), with logistical and management support from World Learning. Facilitators and trainers included leaders from Reuters, Gallup, PBS, Twitter, and Facebook. Participants also showcased relevant projects inspired by their previous exchange programs and TechCamps via panel discussions and a virtual poster show.

Following the event, participants were invited to apply for small grant awards to put their newly-acquired skills into practice and build sustaining relationships with other participants. Follow #ExchangeAlumni #AlumniTIES and #TechCampGlobal on social media to learn more.