The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has taken an initiative to make more effective use of social media to raise awareness among young people about health and well-being. To this end, teachers at various higher-education institutions have been trained in digital communication and information dissemination.
A UNESCO report says young people spend a significant portion of their lives online. As a result, social media has become an important channel for communicating with them, providing information, and building awareness.
A three-day hands-on training program was held in Tanzania from August 12 to 14. Peer educators who manage social media at 13 higher and tertiary education institutions in the country took part. Various partner organizations and the health ministry cooperated with UNESCO in implementing the program.
Participants were taught strategies for creating accurate, engaging and youth-friendly digital content on sexual and reproductive health, HIV, and preventing gender-based violence. They were also trained in communicating responsibly online and using social media analytics to understand readers’ and viewers’ interests.
UNESCO said that after the training, these peer educators will return to their respective institutions to work on delivering reliable information to young people. Through them, the goal is to increase health-related discussion on social media and help young people make informed, conscious decisions. The organization hopes that, by properly leveraging the digital platforms young people regularly use, it will be possible to bring about positive change in health, education and well-being.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report