We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the BEST (Be Smart, Be Tolerant) project. Launched in April 2023, this initiative aimed to empower young people and youth workers across Europe to critically engage with media and combat disinformation. Partnering with SEP in Romania, DOREA in Cyprus, and CREJOB in Spain, the project focused on promoting media literacy und fostering critical thinking. This article provides an update on the project’s progress and achievements.

​The journey began with the first Transnational Project Meeting in Târgu Jiu, Romania, on April 4th, 2023. This meeting was crucial for introducing partners, outlining the project, and planning the next steps. It established a solid foundation for our collaboration against fake news and disinformation.​

In July, the first Learning Activity took place in Limassol, Cyprus, hosted by Dorea Educational Institute. Participants from each partner organization delved into media biases and disinformation tactics. Partners presented initial chapters of the BEST guidebook and brainstormed ideas for the animated videos, shaping the project’s direction. From October 30th to November 3rd, the second Learning Activity was held in Bologna, ausgerichtet von der Erasmus Learning Academy (ELA). In dieser Woche ging es darum, Jugendarbeiterinnen und Jugendarbeiter darin zu schulen, jungen Menschen beim Erkennen und Stoppen von Fake News zu helfen – mit Gamification und spielbasiertem Lernen. Diese innovativen Methoden haben sich als wirksam erwiesen, um Lernen ansprechend und nachhaltig zu gestalten.
A significant milestone was the development of a comprehensive toolkit, including a detailed guide und four animated videos. These resources, designed for youth workers, aim to inspire young people to become active citizens and responsible online users. The toolkit has been instrumental in promoting awareness and understanding of critical media issues.
On March 27th, a series of workshops concluded, providing youth workers with insights into fake news and propaganda. These sessions demonstrated the practical applications and benefits of the toolkit, making a significant impact on participants.

Die final Transnational Project Meeting was held on April 29th in Valencia, hosted by CREJOB. Partners reflected on the project’s progress, shared experiences, and planned the next steps, ensuring the project’s objectives were met.
The project’s capstone was the Multiplier Event in Bologna on May 23rd. Teachers from across Europe attended, learning about media manipulation and the impact of AI in creating fake news. The event highlighted the toolkit, available in multiple languages, and provided valuable tools to combat disinformation.

As we conclude the BEST project, we invite educators and youth workers to explore the resources developed. The BEST guide, available in several languages, can be downloaded hier. Additionally, four animated videos designed to enhance media literacy and critical thinking are available hier.

Thank you to all partners, participants, and supporters for making the BEST project a success. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of these resources across Europe.

​Stay smart, stay tolerant!