Track: Economic & Digital EmpowermentCompleted

Combating Information Disorder

A youth-led approach to strengthen community resilience against mis/disinformation through digital safety trainings, the launch of the Siraj fact-checking platform, and a transition from trainees to paid trainers.

LocationTaiz Governorate, Yemen

DurationApril 2022 – February 2023

Donor / PartnerSecDev Foundation

Program TrackEconomic & Digital Empowerment

Key Project Statistics

25Basic Track Trainees

12Advanced Digital Leaders

180+Misinformation Items Monitored

637K+Users Reached Online

244K+Engagements & Views

19Radio Broadcast Episodes

Project Narrative & Details

The Combating Information Disorder Project strengthens community resilience against mis/disinformation, manipulation and online harm through a youth-led approach in Taiz Governorate, Yemen. The project begins with foundational cyber safety training, then selects Digital Champions who receive Training of Trainers (ToT) and mentorship to deliver peer-to-peer and community trainings. It also supports Digital Safety Champions to help monitor local information risks and disseminate corrective messages. Sheba launched the "Siraj" platform, produced 19 radio episodes on Lana FM, and monitored 180+ fake news items reaching 637K+ users. Trainees progressed from learners to active trainers earning independent income.

Target Beneficiaries & Groups

Youth receiving foundational training in digital safety and information disorder

Digital Champions (selected trainees prepared as ToT trainers)

Digital Safety Champions supporting community monitoring and fact-checking

General public vulnerable to online deception and extortion

Key Outputs

Digital Awareness Platform

Siraj Awareness Platform

A digital space simplifying cyber awareness, online extortion protection, and mythbusting into accessible public media, with 5 major targeted awareness campaigns.

Capacity Building

37 Youth Certified as Digital Safety Trainers & Defenders

Trained and certified digital leaders and community defenders able to train peers and lead awareness sessions in Taiz.

Monitoring & Fact-Checking

180+ Misinformation & Fake News Items Debunked

Established local monitoring mechanism debunking rumors, fake news, and manipulated online content.

Media & Broadcasting

19 Radio Broadcast Episodes on Lana FM

Produced community radio series addressing digital safety, extortion risks, and misinformation reaching wide audiences.

Economic Empowerment

Economic Transition: Trainees to Paid Professional Trainers

Enabled participants to progress from learners to paid certified trainers delivering services to external organizations.