Media & Information literacy and Artificial Intelligence
AI becomes increasingly embedded in daily life, it is reshaping how youth think, learn, interact, and form their identities in ways that are not yet fully understood.
We are seeking ideas for educational content or activities exploring and shaping the impact of artificial intelligence on human minds, learning and interaction.
We are excited to launch a call for applications for organisations in Southern Africa working in the field of Media and Information Literacy. This call specifically seeks to bring together diverse expertise across fields such as psychology, education, technology, media studies, and social sciences to explore these shifts.
Eligible projects may include:
Educational campaigns and materials (series of short videos, posters, etc.)
Educational activities (youth projects, training workshops)
Interactive content (games, interactive explainers, clickables)
Educational research and dialogue
We encourage you to apply and share your innovative ideas on how MIL can address the impact of AI and to support their well-being, critical awareness, and responsible engagement in an AI-driven world.
DW Akademie
DW Akademie is Deutsche Welle’s center for international media development, journalism training and knowledge transfer. Our projects strengthen the human right to freedom of expression and unhindered access to information. DW Akademie empowers people worldwide to make independent decisions based on reliable facts and constructive dialogue.
How does this dialogue fellowship work?
1. Application: You pitch your idea in this form, and a selection panel will choose the most promising projects.
2. Master Class (virtual): We will organise a deep dive into MIL & AI Literacy and impact of AI on people.
3. Idea Lab: Exchange with other innovative organisations from Southern Africa, refine your idea. (Virtual workshop)
3. Implement: After the Idea Lab you put the idea into practice with a fellowship to implement your project. You will also get coaching in your innovative endeavour with a dedicated counterpart to bounce ideas, reflect the next steps and get feedback on the go.
4. Feedback and Exchange: Engage with selected organisations from Southern Africa and build your network around your project. Join the Southern African MIL Hub community.
Timeline:
15 June 2026 – Applications close
First week of July – Masterclass
Second week of July – Idea Lab
15 July to 15 October – Implementation of Projects
Showcase and final event during MIL week (24 – 30 October 2025)
What is the Masterclass?
The Master Class will take place online via Zoom at the start of the fellowships. Final dates will be confirmed after the selection process.
short, focused session taught by experts, offering insights into MIL, AI and Learning, Digital Well-being and Mental Health in the Age of AI.
discussions on how AI is shaping people’s sense of self, relationships, and emotional well-being—and MIL competencies are needed to upport healthy, intentional, and balanced engagement with it?
The Master Class will be interactive and based on the ideas and discussions between the teams.
What is the Idea Lab?
The Idea Lab will take place online via Zoom at the start of the fellowships. Final dates will be confirmed after the selection process.
present your idea and discuss it with other innovative organisations in the region
human-centered design approach to tailor the project to the needs of your audience
refine your idea and project plan
How does the financial fellowship work?
The fellowship is up to 2000 Euros of funding as well as coaching and technical support to the selected organizations. The first installment will be paid upon signing a fellowship agreement, a final installment is due, when the final report and all supporting material is submitted.
What do you need?
Commitment of all participating team members to fully engage for the whole duration of the project
Participation in the Master Class online (2 people per team)
Participation in the virtual Idea Lab
Idea for a MIL & AI product that is relevant to your audience (we particularly encourage projects using vernacular languages as well) and a commitment to reliable and independent information.
A smartphone and/or laptop computer to take part in the virtual elements
Commitment to give feedback and engage in dialogue with the other organisations and to attend virtual coaching sessions as needed.
Application
To apply for the Dialogue Fund, fill out this form and pitch your innovative MIL & AI idea to the panel. Applications close on 15/06/2026
Your idea and your participation need to be endorsed by your organization.
You must at least be 21 years old (or older).
You must be based in Namibia, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, South Africa or Lesotho.
You must commit to ethical information and media usage
