MediaWISE YOUth — Skilled & Engaged: Stand Up to Disinformation!

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In an era where misinformation spreads faster than ever, the ability to think critically about what we read, watch, and share online has become one of the most essential skills of our time. MediaWISE YOUth is an Erasmus+ training course that puts that skill front and center — bringing together youth workers from Austria, Georgia, Hungary, and Turkey in Vienna from 8–16 April 2026 to tackle fake news head on.

Hosted by IKIGAI Verein zur Förderung von Kunst, Kultur und Bildung, this mobility project for youth workers is built around a simple but urgent question: how do we stop the spread of misinformation, and what role can youth workers play in that fight? Over the course of one week, 24 participants aged 18 to 35 will explore exactly that — through non-formal education, hands-on activities, and practical digital tools.

The program goes deep. Participants will learn to identify how fake news is produced and distributed, understand the motivations behind it, and develop concrete strategies to critically assess media content. Social media fact-checking tools, digital literacy frameworks, and civic engagement methods are all part of the curriculum. By the end of the week, participants will also contribute to a shared Toolkit — a practical resource that can be used by youth workers around the world long after the project ends.

But this isn't just a training course. It's also a conversation about what it means to be an active citizen in the digital age. Young people today are both the most exposed to disinformation and the most powerful force in combating it. MediaWISE YOUth recognizes that and builds on it — equipping youth workers with the tools they need to bring media literacy back to their communities, organizations, and everyday practice.

The training takes place at Sargfabrik in Vienna's 14th district, with accommodation provided in shared apartments in the 15th district. Meals are covered throughout the week, and travel costs are reimbursed within Erasmus+ budget limits — 309 Euro for participants traveling from Turkey.

As with all good Erasmus+ projects, there's also a cultural evening — a night dedicated to sharing food, traditions, music, and stories from each participating country. Because understanding where misinformation comes from also means understanding the cultures, histories, and contexts it moves through.

If you are a youth worker between 18 and 35 and want to sharpen your media literacy skills, build an international network, and spend a week doing meaningful work in Vienna — this is for you.

Apply here: forms.gle/Naewvvf1H7SiRpcg6

Contact: ikigaivienna@gmail.com

WhatsApp: +33 7 49 82 89 50

Instagram: instagram.com/ikigai_vienna

Facebook: facebook.com/mediawiseyouth