The Rugova Fact-Checking TechCamp was designed to bring journalists, experts, and technologists together to tackle the problem of unreliable information in media. This special project aimed to address the complex issues of false news and misleading information in today’s digital world. In March of this year, the event highlighted its importance by gathering 34 skilled journalists and experts from Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During this event, participants joined forces to exchange ideas, solve common fact-checking problems, and collectively analyze the intricate web of false information sources. The TechCamp featured a well-balanced mix of theoretical discussions and hands-on experiences. Attendees were treated to enlightening talks and practical sessions, where they were introduced to various tools and techniques for fact-checking.
The Rugova Fact-Checking TechCamp stands as a testament to the potent synergy that ensues when a diverse array of minds unite in the pursuit of truth. As the following pages unfold, we delve deeper into the resonating impacts, transformative exchanges, and newfound horizons forged during this illuminating convergence.
Insights from Participants: Albanian Cyber Association’s Fact-Checking Tech Camp
The Albanian Cyber Association is delighted to share the valuable feedback received from the participants of its recent training program. A selection of participant testimonials has been transcribed from video recordings captured during the event, while the comprehensive video coverage of the entire occasion can be found at the conclusion of this article.
Out of the 34 attendees, an intriguing breakdown reveals that 72.2% hailed from journalistic backgrounds, while 27.8% boasted expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT). Impressively, a resounding 82.3% of the participants expressed strong agreement regarding the pertinence and utility of the knowledge and skills imparted during the training, particularly in the domains of fact-checking and artificial intelligence. Notably, 55.6% of the attendees attested to gaining fresh insights over the course of the intensive three-day workshop.
An overwhelming majority, totaling 83.3% of the participants, enthusiastically conveyed their interest in attending future editions of this workshop. Furthermore, some of the proposed themes for subsequent sessions include:
1. Exploring the Security Implications of Fake News and Disinformation
2. Delving into the Nexus of Digital Diplomacy and AI
3. In-Depth Study of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence
4. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Article Writing
5. Addressing the Nuances of Discrimination in Technology
These insights reflect the enthusiasm and dedication of the participants, underscoring the importance and impact of initiatives like the Fact-Checking Tech Camp in fostering knowledge exchange and skill development. For an immersive experience, the comprehensive event coverage can be viewed in the video located at the conclusion of this article.
I am Jovica Milojevic, a student from Belgrade. When I said I was coming to Kosovo, my friends were scared. What am I going to do in Kosovo? What is the reason for me to come here? What do I need it for? The reason is that the information we get through our media is that the government in Kosovo is in turmoil and that there is a great impatience of Albanians towards non-Albanians, especially towards us, Serbs and Serbia. When I came to Kosovo, I first visited Prizren, a beautiful city that delighted me, and I came across something I really didn’t expect to see, although I hoped, and that is that acceptance, that people accepted me, regardless of whether I am Serb, North Macedonian Serbian. On the streets of Prizren, I could hear both Albanian, Turkish and Serbian languages at the same time, and people did accept me. I was very much welcomed. My visit to Prizren and Pec, two big cities where almost the same atmosphere prevails, but especially Prizren are multi-ethnic cities where there is no place for necropaths. What I can say is that the media on one side of Kosovo and the media on the other side of Serbia Serbia often likes to emphasize certain things and in these emphasizes, emphasize the nationality of someone and make a very superficial picture of one nation. That is superficial and that is what separates us, Serbs and Albanians, and in fact it is much different. Serbs and Albanians can live together and I don’t have any inter-ethnic conflicts and to build a peaceful relationship and a common future. and to build a peaceful relationship and a common future. That’s it.
Jovica Milojevic – student from Serbia
“I am Valdrin Daci, a journalist from the local newspaper Peja n’Fokus, which is a newspaper in the region of Peja. I believe such organizations, are not just good but mandatory on the subject of the truth-telling. Because a journalist, a portal or a news agency has a very important position in their mission to first truth-tell the facts and then share with the public. As you know, many people, and especially many communities, have been based and accused of some information, such as false information, which are shared in the public, and have not been verified prior. And, as a result, there have reflected on a public damage. So, we urge you, as journalists, to take part in such trainings as much as possible, and to practice the knowledge gained, During those days. The media must be morally and professionally oriented. But first and foremost, they must provide the truth based on facts, especially on written media.”
Valdrin Daci – Peja n’Fokus – Kosovo
My name is Inva Hasanalija, I am a media consultant at Integrity Initiative International, a have a background in fact-checking journalism. I think such an event is not just great opportunity to share the experiences of some journalists in the Balkans, but also to get new knowledge about technology power that we will use later to verify information. We are still in the beginning, but it should be a way to use new technologies or new applications to make deep verifications.
Inva Hasanalija – Media Consultant at Integrity Initiatives International – Albanian
“My name is Milon Skranovic. I am a member of the E-Sports Organization, We are an organization that deals with education of young people in the fields of IT, robotics, arginine technology and 3D design. I am a participanting in Rugova Facts Checking Tech Camp with pleasure. I would like to thank the organizers of this event, first of all for their support, for organizing such a camp, in such a beautiful place, in nature. It was very nice to hang out with all the people who were participants in this camp.”
Milaj Stojanovic – Gracanica Innovation Center – Serbian community in Kosovo
My name is Albulena Halili, I come from the South East European University, from the Institute of Max Van Der Stoel. We have created a research cluster in the Institute, our team that today is participating at Rugova Tech Camp is headed by experts of different fields from the media, communication, journalism. This project will serve to promote our project in the field of education, together with the technology sector, to deal better with joint challenges, such as education, new tools, and so on.
Albulena Halili – Max Van Der Stoel – North Macedonia
“I am Berzat Berzati, journalist working for Kosovo.info in Bosnian language, that is, in Slavic languages. This camp helped us a lot to share experiences and learn new things about cyber security and fake news. The camp was very exceptional and contributed a lot to all of us because it was regional in character. We established cooperation in the entire region for the Western Balkans.”
Berzat Berzati – Kosova.info Bosnian language – Bosnian community in Kosovo
The Rugova Fact Checking Tech Camp was brought to life by U.S. Alumni Tanzer Abazi, working together with the Albanian Cyber Association and supported by funds from the U.S. State Department’s TechCamp Slovenia. This exciting project aims to help journalists in the Western Balkans region enhance their abilities to thoroughly check news and information for accuracy.
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