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Disinformation, misinformation and rumours are proliferating in Mongolia. In this context Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is more important than ever. Journalists, civil society activists and government officials in Mongolia are working together to raise awareness on the value and importance of MIL and to influence decision-making at the national policy level. But it’s a long way to tangible results, which must be accompanied by outstanding personalities.

Lut-Ochir (Lutaa) Vanganjil is a specialist working at the National Center for Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia. He is an active member of the National Network for Media and Information Literacy in Mongolia, and is passionate about strengthening informed and critical use of media and information among children, youth and adults. Together with his colleagues and fellow members of the national network, Lutaa produced and disseminated 17 video tutorials in 2020, to provide knowledge on essential topics related to access to information, critical and responsible use of information, as well as evaluation of information.

Lutaa’s journey with the National Network for MIL began two years ago when he participated in a stakeholder workshop to learn about the concept of MIL,and discuss the needs and challenges for its promotion in Mongolia. The workshop, organized by the Press Institute of Mongolia with support from UNESCO’s Multi-Donor-Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, was part of an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of MIL among relevant stakeholders and to establish a national network working to create an enabling environment for MIL.

The people of Mongolia enjoy a great variety of choices when it comes to media and information sources. Although Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a total population of 3 million, there were more than 450 media outlets as of January 2020, including 16 national television channels, 10 national daily newspapers, more than 70 radio stations and around 150 online news media outlets, according to the Press Institute of Mongolia. The number of subscribes to Internet services reached 2.3 million in January 2020, and mobile phone use is also booming, with 4.42 mobile connections recorded the same month. 

« Due to the dramatic increase in the flow of information driven by new technologies, it is extremely important that citizens learn how to find and use information that is relevant to them », says Lutaa.

The National Center for Lifelong Learning, where he works, offers training opportunities for children, youth and adults in the areas of family, ethics, aesthetics, life skills, civic education, science and health, law, financial education, sustainable development and literacy. Since joining the National Network for MIL, Lutaa has begun to introduce components of a MIL curriculum into the National Center’s programmes. The MIL curriculum, developed by a group of school teachers, civil society activists and education experts led by the Press Institute of Mongolia, has been approved by the Institute for Teachers Professional Development, a central government agency responsible for capacity building of secondary school teachers. 

Lutaa is also a professional IT teacher. Before joining the National Network for MIL, he taught computer courses to around 600 lifelong learning tutors across the country. « Working in the National Network for MIL has opened my eyes », said Lutaa. « Equal access to and use of information is the basis for all for all fundamental rights in today’s world. However, we must ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to learning critical media literacy, especially in the context of the increasing proliferation of disinformation », he stressed. 

Dramatically increased information flows driven by new technologies make it extremely important for citizens to be educated on how to locate and use information that is relevant to them. 

-- Lutaa Vanganjil, member of Mongolia’s Network for Media and Information Literacy

The initiative to promote MIL in Mongolia, supported by UNESCO, has made significant progress in the past two years. Under the leadership of the Mongolian National Committee for UNESCO and the Press Institute of Mongolia, as well as governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, the initiative has organized several consultation meetings to advance knowledge and understanding of MIL as a composite concept and to build consensus among multiple stakeholders on the urgency of policy-level efforts to strengthen MIL competencies across society. A background document and position paper were developed outlining the current status of MIL levels in Mongolia and proposing strategic priorities to create an enabling environment for MIL development. The initiative also included two National MIL forums and a series of ten workshops for media professionals and school teachers to promote the integration of MIL into curricula and teaching practices in secondary schools.

« Currently we have fifteen members in our network, representing fifteen very different organizations, such as the Mongolian National Broadcaster, General Police Office, and the National Network for Child Protection », Lutaa mentioned. For him, it is very important that the Network has a clear vision based on a shared understanding of MIL, and a strong agreement on specific roles and responsibilities of the members. “There is so much to do, and I am excited to be part of this great initiative”.

About the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP)

The MDP serves to further strengthen UNESCO’s work at a global, regional, and national levels, by channeling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression. It enables UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector to address complex issues through the design and implementation of holistic medium and long-term interventions at national, regional and global levels. The clear advantage of this mechanism is that it allows UNESCO and its partners to achieve greater impact and sustainability, whilst reducing fragmentation of activities in the same field.

Related links

To protect free, independent and pluralistic media, visit:

• Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

• Let Free Media Thrive: Stories of impact

More inspiring articles on the impact of communication and information on people’s life:

• Communication and Information: Human stories

URL:

https://en.unesco.org/news/lutaas-journey-media-and-information-literacy-mongolia