- Project period: February 2023–May 2026
- Donors: Sweden, implemented by Internews
- Objective: The project 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.
- Activities: reviewing the content of Media Education textbooks for primary, secondary, and high school levels, in Romanian and Russian languages; promoting Media Education through training sessions for teachers based on the revised content of the textbooks; digitalizing the optional Media Education course; adapting the content of Media Education textbooks for people with hearing and vision impairments by publishing the textbooks in Braille format for persons with vision impairment and by producing video lessons based on the Media Education course with subtitles and/or sign languages for person with hearing impairment; organizing and conducting the Annual Press Gala; conducting media market research; organizing and conducting the Media Literacy Forum; supporting newsrooms in adopting responsible artificial intelligence practices; monitoring the media landscape in the Republic of Moldova; monitoring YouTube channels to identify and track disinformation narratives; implementing a fellowship programme to strengthen newsroom capacities; providing legal assistance to journalists; advancing press freedom through legal and policy advocacy activities.
- Results: Media Education textbooks in Romanian and Russian were reviewed, updated, and distributed to schools across the Republic of Moldova, with more than 6,000 students using the new editions starting from the 2024–2025 academic year. The first Digital Media Education Platform was launched, while the textbooks were adapted for people with visual and hearing impairments. In addition, 126 teachers were trained on Media Education teaching methods. Two editions of the Annual Press Club Gala brought together more than 170 media professionals, with awards granted for excellence in journalism. IJC also conducted media market research, organized the Media Literacy Forum, developed a model policy on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, and published monitoring reports on disinformation circulating on YouTube. Furthermore, three independent media outlets benefited from fellowship programmes for young journalists, while media representatives received legal consultations and free legal representation in courts of law. In addition, IJC contributed to advancing press freedom through advocacy activities.
