Verify before you share – NCCE

As part of the Women and Youth in Democracy (WYDE) engagements, which is powered by the NCCE and the European Partnership for Development, a civic education session was held at Methodist University for tertiary students. The Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at the NCCE, Ms. Rita Amparbin, cautioned students against blindly forwarding information or content they receive on social media. She emphasised the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, urging participants to verify information before sharing to prevent the spread of false narratives, especially in politically sensitive periods.

The discussion also covered post-election peace and security, highlighting the role of young people in promoting stability. Ms. Amparbin stressed that students, as future leaders, must embrace civic responsibility and contribute to national cohesion. She encouraged them to be critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens to safeguard democratic values and prevent political tensions from escalating through unverified information.

Additionally, Assistant Research Officer for the Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ms. Eva Ertl, educated students on vigilantism and the use of various weapons. She provided insights into the pros and cons of firearm possession and explained the legal processes required to obtain a gun license. The session underscored the importance of lawful gun ownership and the dangers associated with illicit arms, reinforcing the need for students to be informed about security matters to contribute to a safer society.