IJC has created 15 Media Literacy lessons for hearing-impaired pupils “Don’t let communication barriers stop you from expressing and exploring”

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC) has prepared 15 Media Literacy lessons in video format, designed for hearing-impaired pupils. The initiative aims to provide educational resources accessible and tailored to the specific needs of this group of consumers, thus contributing to the development of their media skills.

Lessons are designed for pupils at all three levels of education: primary, secondary, and high school. Depending on the level of schooling in which the optional subject of Media Literacy is taught, they cover various media literacy topics.

Lessons are structured to cover a wide range of media literacy topics, such as the role of media in our lives, online safety and digital health, responsible media consumption, identifying manipulative techniques, virtual games in teenagers’ lives, etc.

“Access to media literacy is a fundamental right of every pupil, regardless of his/her abilities. We aim through this initiative to remove barriers to access to quality information and provide all young people with the chance to become informed and responsible citizens,” says IJC Executive Director, Nadine Gogu.

At the primary school level, the lessons were prepared by teacher Angela Suhin from Merenii Noi Gymnasium-Kindergarten in Merenii Noi Village, Anenii Noi District:

Every pupil deserves a quality education, whatever the challenges they face. Videotaping lessons for hearing-impaired children is an essential step towards an inclusive educational environment, providing them with resources tailored to their needs. These initiatives facilitate their learning and send a message of solidarity and respect for diversity. In this way, we give them knowledge and the confidence that they can succeed just like any other child.”.

At the secondary school level, the lessons were prepared by teacher Nadejda Iacob from “Ion Vatamanu” Theoretical High School in Strășeni Town:

The lessons cover relevant topics in media literacy. Making this content accessible to hearing-impaired people is necessary, especially as we move towards a society that promotes equal rights for all citizens. The initiative gives us the chance to contribute to the promotion of an educational segment that is often neglected”.

At the high school level, the lessons were prepared by teacher Cristina Cernei from “Onisifor Ghibu” Theoretical High School in Chișinău:

It is important to know that every step you take in your quest for knowledge is valuable. Media literacy lessons can not only provide you with essential information but can open up new perspectives on the world. Don’t let communication barriers prevent you from expressing and exploring. We have developed resources tailored to your needs, and the community supports you. Every opinion and every voice matters. My urge to you is to stay curious, ask questions, and get actively involved in building on these lessons. You are capable of outstanding achievements, and education is a powerful tool that can help you develop your critical thinking skills”, is Cristina Cernei’s exhortation to hearing-impaired pupils.

Each lesson is interpreted in sign language and contains various graphical elements, ensuring that the content is fully understood by hearing-impaired pupils. Translation and adaptation into the sign language were provided by Alla Bargan, Director of the Republican House of Culture for the Deaf in Moldova (CRCSM).

Media literacy allows us to understand the quality of the information we receive from different sources; it helps us to understand how a real event differs from interpretations. For hearing-impaired people, this problem becomes even more difficult as they need accessible information in sign language. These lessons have a double value as they are useful for both mainstream pupils and hearing-impaired children. In addition, the lessons are an excellent example of how quality inclusive education can be achieved”.

Lessons are available on the IJC’s YouTube page and can be used both in the classroom and during extracurricular activities.

Media literacy lessons in video format are part of the project supported by Sweden “Media Literacy Advancement and Support to Moldovan Media” and implemented by Internews in Moldova. The program aims to contribute towards the growth of a diverse, independent and financially viable media landscape in Moldova, and to empower Moldovan youth to navigate their complex information environment.