PWDs taught how to spot fake news

PEOPLE living with disabilities (PWDs) in Bulawayo have undergone training on combating the spread of fake news, misinformation as well as disinformation.

A Bulawayo-based community podium is conducting the training in the city, with the recent one being held on Monday.

Community podium programmes leader Sihlobo Bulala (pictured) told NewsDay that the programme seeks to equip PWDs on fact-checking fake news.

“People with disabilities, like the deaf community, lack equal access to information as most communication channels do not have tailor-made information strategies that cater for them. They are more vulnerable to fake news as they access information differently,” she said.

“Sometimes they rely on second-hand information which could be misleading or interpreted in a way that’s different from what’s originally meant.

“We then realised that if they are empowered to spot and factcheck inaccurate news, it serves them from other logistics that could emanate from acting on inaccurate information.”

Bulala said the programme sought to help PWDs to make informed decisions.

Deaf, arts, culture and entertainment projects manager Tsungirirai Tsikira welcomed the training targeting PWDs.

“They now know what impact misinformation and disinformation can have on the whole community,” Tsikira said.

One of the trainees, Annitha Makoni, said it was her first time to undergo training on factchecking fake news.

“I will make sure to spread the information on spotting fake news with my friends and family,” Makoni said.