SUM Project takes off in Barcelona
At the end of October 2025, the project partners gathered in Barcelona for a two-day kick-off meeting to launch the new SUM project, building on the results and lessons learned from the previous project.
With SUM, we aim to empower people aged 60 and over to better recognise and understand disinformation. Through train-the-trainer sessions in the four participating countries (Belgium, Italy, Spain & Czechia), older adults will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to spot misleading content and navigate today’s complex information landscape. They will then pass this knowledge on to their peers through peer-to-peer activities, creating a ripple effect within their own communities.
The two-day meeting also marked the first opportunity for all partners to meet each other in person and strengthen their collaboration. The consortium brings together a diverse group of organisations, including Mediawijs, VVBAD, Verificat, Federación de Sindicatos de Periodistas, No Control, Lepida, and Transitions. Each partner contributes unique expertise in media literacy, journalism, education, and community engagement.
Day one focused on setting the scene. Project coordinator Mediawijs presented the overall project outline, goals, and timeline, giving everyone a shared understanding of what SUM aims to achieve in the coming years. The SUM toolkit was also introduced. Developed during the previous project, this practical resource offers guidance for organisations on how to organise effective train-the-trainer sessions and support peer-to-peer learning activities.
On day two, the focus shifted to exchange and inspiration. Partners shared tools, projects, and best practices from their own countries, offering valuable insights that can feed directly into the new SUM activities. The meeting concluded with collaborative group work, where partners began mapping out concrete first steps and exploring how to launch activities locally in each country.
With strong partnerships, shared expertise, and plenty of ideas on the table, the SUM project is off to a promising start.