In March 2025, Petauke Hub trainers Emmanuel Banda and Ellen Musonda Bwalya, facilitated the establishment of a Media and Information Literacy Club at Petauke High School.

The club was created to equip learners with critical skills to safely and responsibly engage with media and information in an increasingly digital world.

The initiative brings together learners from Grades 10, 11 and 12, fostering an intergenerational learning space that promotes peer mentorship and continuity. This structure ensures that knowledge is transferred as learners progress through school, while graduating Grade 12 members carry these skills into their communities, extending the project’s impact beyond the classroom.

Through interactive sessions, learners were trained in critical thinking, media and information literacy, and defamation awareness. Students learned how to evaluate information sources, distinguish facts from misinformation, and understand the ethical and legal implications of sharing content.

These skills have strengthened learners’ confidence to express informed opinions and challenge false or harmful narratives.

The club is supported at school level by the guidance teacher, Mr. Vincent Phiri, who serves as the Club Matron. His involvement has been key in aligning the initiative with school structures and ensuring sustainability. As part of the project, he also received capacity-building support to independently facilitate MIL activities in the future.

Early outcomes from the Petauke Hub show improved awareness of responsible media use, a growing culture of peer learning, and a ripple effect as former learners apply MIL principles in their communities. By integrating the club into regular school activities and building local teacher capacity, the initiative demonstrates a sustainable, youth-led model for promoting informed citizenship.

The Petauke Boarding MIL Club stands as a strong example of how the Free Press Initiative’s MIL project is empowering young people to think critically, communicate ethically, and participate meaningfully in society.

If you want to be part of our training on Media and Information Literacy at any of our, trainings in our respective hubs in Eastern, Copperbelt, Lusaka, and Southern provinces. please email us at prog@fpizambia.org or call us on 0954723936.