Empowering against False/Misinformation in Nepal’s Public and Media Sector

The “Empowering Against False/Misinformation in Nepal’s Public and Media Sector” project, supported by the US Embassy, ​​Nepal, will empower content creators in Nepal to counter the spread of false/misinformation. The project will include a bootcamp, in which selected creators will produce 6 explainer videos and 7 short video materials addressing 6 sensitive issues – disasters, health crises, foreign aid, marginalized communities, climate change, and election misinformation. will prepare Selected participants will create content that educates the public and raises public awareness about false/misinformation through specialized training, consulting, and content production.

The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with Youth Innovation Lab is inviting content creators to help build resilience among the Nepali public against common types of mis/disinformation through ongoing mentorship, training, and content production.

The program targets content creators with significant community outreach and invites applications from marginalized and minority groups. By focusing on local misinformation trends, this project seeks to build resilience in Nepal’s communication sector. Its main objective is to protect the public from false/misleading information, and to encourage informed decision-making on important issues affecting the country.

Focus Areas

• Disaster
• Health Crisis
• Foreign aid
• Marginalized communities
• Climate change
• Election

Benefits

• Holistic bootcamp and skill development
  • All content creators will attend a bootcamp that provides the skills necessary to effectively identify and counter false/misleading information, with training tailored for explainer video creators and regional vox pop style creators.
• Counseling and guidance
  • Each video content creator will receive mentorship from experienced professionals, who will provide guidance and feedback on effective storytelling throughout the content creation process.
• Increased visibility and self-development
  • The content produced during the program will be presented on various social networks, which will increase the visibility of the participants at the community and national level. This helps amplify their message and build credibility as content creators.
• Networking opportunities
  • Participants will interact with other content creators, communicators, and influencers through workshops, outreach events, and screenings, which will expand their professional networks and encourage collaboration opportunities.
• Cultural relevance and influence
  • Creators will develop video content that resonates with local audiences, addressing key misinformation/misinformation issues in a culturally relevant manner, contributing to building a strong and informed society.

Funding Information

• Explanatory video content creators will receive a grant of $3,000, while provincial video content creators will receive $1,500 to support their content production. This grant will cover production costs, equipment, and administrative support.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility criteria for explainer video content creators:
  • Applicant must be a Nepalese youth, aged 18 years or above.
  • Must reside in one of the seven provinces of Nepal and have a deep understanding of the local communications sector.
  • Must have at least 1 lakh subscribers/followers, average 1 lakh views in last three months and preferably experience in video content production. Applicants should provide a portfolio of past work with links to at least 2-3 explanatory videos that demonstrate their experience and competencies.
  • Must have a strong online presence with followers/subscribers on public and accessible social networking platforms. This enables content to reach a wider audience and interact with the public.
  • A good knowledge of communication, media, and content creation formats is essential. Having excellent communication skills in Nepali is a must. Knowledge of the local language is preferred to ensure effective access.
  • Must be enthusiastic about countering false/misleading information and committed to eliminating misleading news.
  • Must be willing to produce explanatory videos on designated topics such as disasters, health crises, foreign aid, issues of marginalized communities, climate change, and elections.
• Eligibility Criteria for Provincial Video Content Creators:
  • Applicant must be a Nepalese youth, aged 18 years or above.
  • Must reside in one of the seven provinces of Nepal and have a deep understanding of the local communications sector.
  • Experience conducting on-site interviews or producing vox pop style videos to capture diverse public opinion is preferred. Also, submitting a portfolio of your past work on content creation is a must.
  • Must have an active, public and accessible social media account, capable of reaching and interacting with the public, with a good number of followers.
  • Must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and ability to interact with diverse local communities, particularly marginalized or minority groups. Experience increasing community outreach will be highly valued.
  • Must be willing to create short, engaging videos that capture public opinion on misinformation on key topics such as disasters, health crises, foreign aid, marginalized communities, climate change, and elections.
  • Must be able to create culturally relevant content that resonates with local audiences and addresses existing misinformation/misinformation issues.
  • It is mandatory to have strong communication skills in Nepali language. Knowledge of local language is preferred.
• Note: They encourage applications from the LGBTQI+ community, marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and religious and ethnic minority communities.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Nepal.