Časoris

Project owner: Sonja Merljak Zdovc,

Responsible person: Sonja Merljak Zdovc

2025

Nominated

SL

Civil Society / Social Economy

Challenge

Disinformation poses a serious threat to democratic societies—especially when children lack the media literacy skills to navigate it. With platforms like TikTok shaping their media consumption, young people are particularly vulnerable to biased or false information. Without the tools to critically assess news, their ability to make informed decisions is weakened, increasing the risk of polarization and extreme reactions.

Idea

Časoris focuses on promoting news media literacy for children by providing them with trustworthy news and the tools to critically evaluate information. The project fosters an understanding of journalism's role in democracy, and empowers children to create their own content, engage in critical thinking, and contribute to narratives. It involves educators and parents to ensure a supportive environment for learning.

Actors

A dedicated core team oversees implementation, collaborating with educators and media literacy experts to develop age-appropriate content and design workshops. Journalists contribute by producing news stories, while partnerships with NGOs and civil society organizations help extend the project’s reach. Children are guided through content creation, gaining hands-on experience. Regular meetings and digital tools support coordination and adaptability throughout.

Impact

The project's innovation lies in its participatory approach, where children actively create content and contribute to the media landscape. It integrates storytelling, games, and workshops into everyday learning, making it accessible and relevant. The project bridges schools and families, promoting media literacy through a community-driven model. Its adaptability to current challenges, such as disinformation, ensures ongoing impact.

Transfer

Public perceptions are reshaped by emphasizing the importance of journalism, media literacy, and children's roles in society. Initiatives like the Kid of the Year Award highlight children's creativity and leadership, fostering respect for young voices and encouraging trust in credible journalism among families and communities. This inclusive approach has helped inspire more informed and engaged media consumption.