In September, young people from Poland and Lithuania came together in the picturesque village of Luoba to explore how today’s digital media work and strengthen their media literacy skills. The “Verify and Act” project wasn’t just a typical youth exchange — it was a deep dive into the mechanisms of disinformation, propaganda, and manipulation that increasingly shape what we see online.
The main goal of the project was to strengthen critical thinking skills in the face of growing information chaos, conflicting messages, and emotionally charged headlines. Throughout the workshops, participants learned how to navigate information more consciously and how to avoid being misled by content that only appears trustworthy. Using a wide range of non-formal education methods—from presentations and debates to simulations and creative tasks—they tested their skills in practice and turned theory into real action.
Over seven intensive days, Polish and Lithuanian participants worked together in workshops and discussions focused on propaganda and fake news, verified information on their own, and analyzed media sources. By the end of the week, they created digital posters encouraging others to use the internet responsibly—a clear sign that new knowledge had transformed into creative results.
But the project was about much more than media literacy. It also offered a chance to explore Polish and Lithuanian cultures. Participants experienced traditional dances, local flavours, and customs from both countries, and took part in educational trips to the Cold War Museum in Plateliai, the Samogitian Village Museum in Telšiai, the city of Klaipėda, and the secondary school in Židikai. Each visit provided deeper insight into Lithuanian history and culture, and the shared experiences helped build friendships and a sense of community.
The “Verify and Act” project demonstrated that young people can—and genuinely want to—take an active role in shaping a more conscious digital environment. The exchange showed that issues connected to media disinformation truly matter to them. It also proved that collaboration with peers from another country opens up new perspectives, and that learning by doing remains the most effective approach. Participants returned home with greater confidence and a stronger sense of how to spot manipulation online and engage with information in a more mindful way.
The project is organized by the Children and Youth Center “Džiaugsmo slėnis” (Lithuania) in cooperation with the FILMFORUM Association (Poland). The project is funded by the Lithuanian–Polish Youth Exchange Fund and the Agency of Youth Affairs.