From 8–13 November 2025, the CHECKMATE project convened 25 youth workers in Vienna, Austria, for an intensive Training of Trainers dedicated to combating climate misinformation through innovative, youth‑centred educational methods.
Hosted by EMOTIC, the training marked a major milestone in building the capacity of youth workers to support young people navigating an increasingly complex, and often misleading, information environment around climate change.
Building Skills Through Experiential Learning
Designed as a four‑day transnational learning experience, the training embraced non‑formal education as its core methodology. Instead of traditional lectures, participants engaged in interactive workshops, simulations, and role‑playing exercises that mirrored real-world misinformation dynamics.
These activities helped participants unpack how misinformation spreads, how it shapes public perception, and how it can be effectively challenged. The experiential approach enabled youth workers not only to understand these processes conceptually, but also to test practical tools they can later integrate into their own educational activities.
Strengthening Media Literacy and Climate Awareness
A central focus of the programme was equipping participants with concrete strategies to identify and counter climate misinformation. Sessions introduced fact‑checking techniques, explored common climate myths, and addressed the challenges of communicating scientific information in clear and engaging ways.
Participants also worked hands‑on with tools such as the Climate Myth‑Busting Challenge and the Fact‑Checking Toolkit, gaining practical experience in applying these resources with young people. Ethical storytelling and responsible communication were emphasised throughout, reinforcing the importance of fostering informed, critical, and reflective perspectives among youth.
Co‑Creating Innovative Educational Tools
One of the highlights of the training was the launch of the co‑creation process for the CHECKMATE Simulation Game. This multi‑role educational game is designed to replicate real‑world misinformation ecosystems, enabling young people to explore diverse viewpoints, experiment with decision‑making, and better understand the consequences of misinformation.
Participants contributed ideas, tested early concepts, and collaborated across countries to shape the game’s foundations. This co‑creative process not only strengthened the tool’s quality but also ensured it reflects diverse educational realities across Europe.
Learning Across Borders
The training brought together youth workers, educators, and NGO professionals from Latvia, Austria, Greece, Hungary, and Romania, creating a vibrant space for peer learning and exchange.
This cross‑cultural dimension enriched the experience, revealing both shared challenges and context‑specific differences. It also fostered new connections between organisations, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration beyond the training.
From Participants to Multipliers
The Training of Trainers aimed not only to build individual competencies but also to create a multiplier effect. Participants are now equipped to bring the knowledge, tools, and methodologies gained in Vienna back to their local communities.
By integrating simulation‑based learning and fact‑checking approaches into their work, youth workers will help young people strengthen critical thinking, build resilience to misinformation, and engage more confidently in climate‑related discussions.
A Step Forward for CHECKMATE
The Training of Trainers in Vienna represents a significant step forward in the CHECKMATE project’s development. By empowering youth workers with innovative methods and fostering collaborative tool creation, the project is laying a strong foundation for its upcoming activities.
As the CHECKMATE Simulation Game evolves and the training’s outcomes are implemented at local level, the impact of this learning experience will extend far beyond Vienna, contributing to more informed, engaged, and resilient communities across Europe.
No responses yet