Loud & Clear Bootcamp empowers 25 young people to combat disinformation and actively participate in society

How can we distinguish credible information from manipulated content? How can we actively contribute to building more inclusive and democratic communities? These were some of the questions that brought together 25 young people aged 15 to 29 on 13 and 14 July at the Loud & Clear Bootcamp, promoted by Rosto Solidário.

Participants from Santa Maria da Feira and other municipalities had the opportunity to explore, through non-formal education methodologies, ways of engaging in democratic life and critically reflecting on the challenges facing today’s society, in a relaxed, dynamic and engaging environment.

During the Bootcamp, the young participants developed skills to critically analyse information and news, identify manipulation strategies and recognise forms of disinformation spread through the media. Topics such as how the media works, the impact of algorithms on social media and the importance of verifying sources before sharing content were also addressed.

The programme also explored issues related to empathy, inclusion and respect for diversity, encouraging dialogue around human rights, equal opportunities and the value of differences.

Beyond critical analysis of media information, the Bootcamp helped participants develop communication, argumentation, debating, teamwork and civic participation skills. In a safe and participatory space, the young people were encouraged to share their opinions, reflect on global and community challenges, and turn their concerns and ideas into concrete proposals for action. In this context, they actively contributed to the creation of proposals for a Youth Manifesto.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the proposals for the Youth Manifesto, reflecting the participants’ commitment to actively contributing to the development of responses to the challenges they identify in their communities and in society.