Bakala Foundation Supports People in Need’s Media Education Project

Bakala Foundation continues to support vocational school students in navigating today’s media landscape. Over the next two years, the foundation will provide two grants of 1.5 million CZK to One World in Schools (JSNS), an educational program by People in Need, which focuses on improving media literacy among Czech students. According to JSNS research, vocational school students have lower levels of media literacy and critical thinking, making them more vulnerable to disinformation and media manipulation.

When it comes to media literacy, vocational school students fare worse than their peers at grammar schools. A 2022 JSNS study revealed a decline in high school students’ trust in media and a noticeable drop in the number of young people who consider independent media crucial for democracy. In 2022, one-third more grammar school students than vocational school students recognized the importance of independent media. At the same time, young people are increasingly aware of the manipulative nature of social media and the threat that false information poses to democracy.

The One World in Schools program has long supported schools in integrating media education into their curricula. With Bakala Foundation’s support, the program will now focus even more on vocational schools. Using lessons from the JSNS.CZ portal, teachers will be able to introduce topics such as cybersecurity, the credibility of social media content, and media manipulation and disinformation in their classrooms.

"We are pleased to support this step in the right direction toward higher media literacy and a more responsible approach to information among young people. Educating generations who will shape our society’s future is the mission behind all of Bakala Foundation’s programs," says Zdeněk Bakala, founder of the foundation.

Currently, media education is not adequately included in the framework curricula for vocational schools. Many teachers also lack sufficient knowledge and support in media education—according to People in Need, 59% of vocational school teachers and 85% of apprenticeship instructors have never participated in media literacy training. That is why the project also includes comprehensive teacher training, mentoring, and the development of educational materials.

"Thanks to Bakala Foundation’s support, we can continue promoting media literacy and critical thinking among young people. They will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to live in the digital world, enabling them to harness its potential while being aware of its risks," says Karel Strachota, director of the One World in Schools program.

Since its launch in 2007, One World in Schools has become the largest and most active organization in the field of media education, an area that has long suffered from a lack of systematic state support.