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is already indeed prolific in media landscape, which threaten not only individuals but also societies as a whole. It results in citizens endangering themselves by ignoring scientific advice, amplifies distrust in policy makers and governments, as well as diverts journalists’ efforts towards reactive disproving of falsehoods instead of proactive reporting of new information.

More than ever, the society needs reliable information to adapt its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and combat rumors, dis- and misinformation. UNESCO, as the UN Agency saddled with the promotion of freedom of expression and access to information is interested at empowering the society, with increased capacities of resilience in the face of “fake news”, including dis- and mis-information that proceeded the COVID 19 epidemic.

In view of that jingles/short videos are an effective format of conveying messages in the African contexts, especially for those who have limited access to Internet, UNESCO Abuja Office is organizing a call for jingles/short videos to combat dis- and mis-information on COVID-19.

Objectives

This call for jingles/short videos aims to:

1. encourage young women and men to identify dis- and mis-information on COVID-19 through monitoring and fact-checking of various sources of information;
2. leverage on innovation and creativity of young people to make appropriate response to the dis- and mis-information on COVID-19;
3. sharpen the critical thinking antennae of the general public for relevant information on COVID-19, focusing on the media and information literacy enhancement and the competences regarding empathy, critical inquiry and compassion under health emergency.

This call is open to all the residents aged between 18 and 35 in the non-Sahel region of West Africa (namely, Benin Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo) between May 10 - June 8, 2020. Women, girls and people living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to participate.

Steps for Participation

Step 1: Identify one piece of dis- and mis-information that your jingle would react on, e.g. “Coronavirus is only for the wealthy.” and “Drinking detergent can kill coronavirus.” (This website may be helpful: )

Step 2: Make a one (1) minute or less of jingles in the format of audio or video pointing the dis- and mis-information and conveying correct information instead. (Some Youtube videos on “How to create a jingle?” may help make your jingle catchy.)

Step 3: Post your jingle on one of your social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram), using hashtag #JinglesAgainstCovid19, #UnescoCallForJingles, and tagging at least three other friends to enter this call.

Deadline is 5 p.m. of June 8, 2020 (Abuja Time, GMT+1).

Sample of Jingles/Short Videos

Important Basic Rules

• Participants are advised to carefully read and follow the entry guideline and rules, especially remember to post using designated hashtags #JinglesAgainstCovid19 and #UnescoCallForJingles;
• Entries can be English, French, Pidgin English and local languages (please indicate which local language the jingle is in the social media post);
• Entries from both individuals and collective groups are acceptable, but a collaborative group will be considered as one participant while reviewing and prizing;
• Entries within the framework of this call certifies and warrants that his/her/their jingles does not violate the rights of a third party and/or any copyright.
• By submitting of their jingles, the participant authorize UNESCO to use their works for purpose of public information, including but not limited to publish the results of the call in the spoken, written, and/or electronic media – with the name of the creator(s) – and to exhibit or publish any of the submitted jingles anywhere in the world.

Evaluation Criteria

Compliance with guideline and rules of the call (10%)

Appropriate response to dis- and mis-information on COVID-19 (30%)

Being clear, catchy and memorable (40%)

Innovation and creativity (20%)

Social media interaction (the quantity of like, comment, & share) as of June 8 (extra 5%)

Prizes for Winners

No. 1: Laptop

No. 2: Television

No. 3: Smart Phone

No. 4-10: UNESCO T-shirt and series of book on Media and Information Literacy

Arbitration

By summiting of their jingles, the participants agree that the intellectual property of jingles is jointly owned by creators and UNESCO.

UNESCO reserves the right in their absolute discretion to disqualify any entry or participant, or to waive any rules in the event of circumstance arising outside its control which in their opinion, make it desirable to cancel the call at any stage. On all matters, UNESCO’s decision shall be final.

Contact Persons

Mr. Olushola Macaulay: o.macaulay@unesco.org

Ms. Yachat Sandra Nuhu ys.nuhu@unesco.org