According to the media literacy index of the global Open Society Foundation for 2019, Montenegro ranks at the bottom of the list of countries in which the measurement was made, i.e. in 31st place out of 35 countries. Therefore, in the coming period, we will ensure a stronger institutional approach aimed at strengthening the media literacy of all citizens of Montenegro.
This was announced by the Minister of Culture and Media, Maša Vlaović, during a meeting with the acting head of the UNICEF representative office in Montenegro, Sabina Žunić.
As stated in the press release from this government department, Vlaović pointed out that media literacy is the only sustainable, long-term answer to the challenges of the digital age, because in this way every child acquires the basics of media literacy through school and learns to use new technologies, thereby enabling them to find job and to participate as a citizen in the digital society.
"That is why the Draft Media Strategy, as one of its strategic goals, outlines the strengthening of media literacy of all segments of society and numerous activities that will serve to achieve the set goal. The contribution that UNICEF continuously makes in this area is immeasurable," said Vlaović.
Speaking about the activities planned by the Ministry as a response, as they say in the statement, to the increasing occurrence of misinformation, fake news and hate speech, Vlaović said that the draft Media Strategy foresees the formation of the National Council for Media Literacy.
"Also, the preparation of a comprehensive analysis of the level of media literacy by target groups and gender structure with recommendations, the preparation of a multi-year plan for raising the level of media literacy, the organization of national campaigns, continuous education of teaching staff, regular revision (adjustment) and improvement of existing teaching programs and the preparation of necessary media literacy manuals for primary and secondary schools," said Vlaović.
The task of her Ministry, as written in the press release, is to establish programs and policies that will develop awareness of the importance of culture, enable accessibility, approach art and culture to children and young people, develop their aesthetic culture, additionally sensitize children and young people to the field of art and culture.
"The intention of the Ministry is to make art and culture equally accessible to all children in the territory of Montenegro," said Vlaović.
He believes, as they state, that it is important for children to develop a relationship with art from an early age and to become familiar with cultural contents.
On the other hand, Žunić reminded that UNICEF has good cooperation with institutions in Montenegro, stating that they are implementing several projects and that they want to continue and strengthen cooperation with new projects.
"Our goal is to strengthen and formalize cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Media and plan it for a longer period," said Žunić, citing a positive example of a project they worked on in partnership with the Music Center of Montenegro.
At the meeting, it was proposed that Unicef and the Ministry of Culture and Media create a joint project that would bring culture and art closer to children, especially from marginalized groups, the statement concludes.
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