JamiiAfrica, in collaboration with ZAFAYCO, conducted a two-day workshop on 31 October and 1 November 2026 at Gombani Stadium, Pemba. The workshop brought together 40 participants, including 35 from Pemba’s two regions and five from Unguja’s three regions. Women accounted for 26 participants (65%).
The training covered online risks, citizen journalism and public-interest storytelling, the FichuaUovu reporting portal, information integrity, fact-checking using JamiiCheck, technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), hate speech and digital safety.
Participants actively engaged in practical exercises, with more than 30 registering on JamiiForums to participate in civic discussions and information sharing. They explored FichuaUovu and submitted reports on community concerns requiring authorities’ attention, particularly appreciating its anonymous reporting feature, which allows them to raise issues without disclosing their identities.
They also used JamiiCheck to verify information and assess its credibility, while demonstrating an understanding of TFGBV, hate speech, online safety, and ways to prevent scams and fraud.
The workshop strengthened participants’ capacity to engage in civic processes, report community concerns, verify information, promote accountability and engage relevant authorities. They are also expected to share their knowledge within their communities, extending the benefits beyond workshop participants.
For JamiiAfrica, the initiative strengthened community engagement in Pemba and Unguja while increasing awareness and use of JamiiForums, FichuaUovu and JamiiCheck. JamiiAfrica will continue supporting participants in using these platforms, following up on issues reported through FichuaUovu and helping ensure community concerns reach relevant authorities.
In the long term, the initiative is expected to promote greater citizen participation, stronger public accountability, access to reliable information and more digitally resilient communities.
