Mediacoach, an initiative of Mediawijs, the Flemish knowledge base on media literacy, was established in 2015 with the primary objective of aiding educators in effectively navigating the digital and media literacy landscape while imparting these skills to participants in a constructive manner. Its core focus is on the Flemish-speaking citizens of Flanders and Brussels, ensuring a targeted approach.
Mediacoach courses are subsidised by the Flemish government. The initiative provides training to professionals in sectors such as education, youth work, youth care, local authorities, libraries, as well as adult education and health care.
The Mediacoach training programme spans approximately a year and consists of a varying 7 to 10 sessions, depending on the sector. Participants are required to execute a project to stimulate media literacy in their organisation, tangibly applying the insights and competences gained during the training. Successful completion of this project is a prerequisite for becoming a certified Mediacoach.
The initiative remains committed to its goal of fostering media literacy among educators and communities, aiming to shape a generation of digitally astute individuals.
A noteworthy accomplishment of the Mediacoach initiative involves its transformative impact on a school that grappled with cyberbullying challenges. Within a year, the school not only acquired a substantial understanding of media literacy but also developed a comprehensive policy to address cyberbullying. The initiative equipped teachers with a pragmatic toolkit, facilitating the creation of preventive measures and strategies for managing cyberbullying incidents effectively.
Throughout its operational span of eight years, Mediacoach has engaged with over 300 teachers, gradually increasing its capacity from an initial intake of 60 participants per year. Its influence extends across sectors such as education, youth work, youth care, and disabilities, significantly contributing to the enhancement of media literacy among these demographics.