Stichting yEUth Kicks Off “Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!” with First Workshop on Fake News and Media Manipulation

The local group collaborating with Stichting yEUth is thrilled to announce the launch of its European Solidarity Corps project “Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!” with the first local workshop, held on April 24th in Leiden. This youth-led initiative focuses on digital and media literacy, addressing the urgent need for critical thinking and online safety skills among young people in the Netherlands.

Empowering Youth Through Digital Awareness

The kick-off event, titled “Fake News and Media Manipulation”, introduced participants to the essential differences between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, and explored how AI-generated content plays a role in the spread of deceptive information. With a hands-on and discussion-based approach, the workshop encouraged critical reflection and gave attendees concrete tools to evaluate the reliability of the media they consume daily.

This session was the first in a series of local workshops designed to strengthen digital resilience, enhance participants’ understanding of cybersecurity, and build a digitally literate community in Leiden.

A Safe Space for Learning and Discussion

Set in an inclusive and welcoming environment, the workshop fostered open dialogue around topics like digital identity, media ethics, and the societal impact of data breaches. Through real-life examples and collaborative discussions, young people reflected on their own media habits and explored how to become more responsible digital citizens.

This aligns directly with the project’s overarching goal: to empower youth aged 18–30 with the knowledge and skills to navigate digital life safely, confidently, and critically.

Participant Reflections

“Thanks to this workshop I understand deeper the differences between various types of the fake news. It was a good experience to debate and analyse people’s goals in manipulation in media, so that now I am more aware of the information I see online.”
— Leo, Stichting yEUth

What’s Next?

The “Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!” project will continue over the coming months with both online and offline events covering topics like digital tools, ethical technology use, and data privacy. Each activity is part of a broader vision to make digital literacy accessible, engaging, and practical for young people in the local community.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building a safer, more informed digital future—together!

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