Experts from the Digital Forensic Team Nicolae Țîbrigan and Diana Moraru, contributed to the implementation of the international E-MPACT project — “Together for Participatory and Active Mobilization Against Disinformation”— an initiative dedicated to strengthening democratic education, media literacy, and critical thinking in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Montenegro.
The project was implemented through a partnership between Freedom House Romania, Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Montenegro – CEDEM and Transparency International Moldova, with financial support from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). The activities were aimed primarily at French-speaking students, teachers, and high school students, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through “training of trainers” sessions (ToT), interactive workshops, participatory learning activities, and awareness campaigns, E-MPACT sought to provide young people and educators with practical tools for identifying disinformation, critically evaluating information, and participating responsibly in democratic life.
The Contribution of the Digital Forensic Team Experts
As part of the project, Dr. Nicolae Țîbrigan, coordinator of the Digital Forensic Team, contributed to the development of the pedagogical concept, as well as to the drafting and structuring of content focused on democratic education, media literacy, propaganda, disinformation, and the impact of new technologies on the information space. For her part, Diana Moraru contributed to the development of the pedagogical and methodological components designed for trainers and adolescents, drawing on her experience in journalism, communication sciences, non-formal education, and training programs conducted in Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Nicolae Țîbrigan and Diana Moraru are among the authors of the book “Learn, Think, Participate – Democracy Toolkit”.
The two experts worked to transform complex concepts—democracy, propaganda, manipulation, disinformation, polarization, and critical thinking—into educational activities that are accessible, interactive, and easy to apply when working with young people.
Two Practical Guides, Available for Free
One of the project’s main outcomes is the development of two open-access educational tools designed for students, teachers, trainers, and organizations involved in civic and media education.
“Let's Expose FAKE NEWS”
“Let’s Expose FAKE NEWS: A Guide to Civic and Media Education for Young People” provides an accessible introduction to how democracy and the media work, explaining the main types and techniques of disinformation, the role of propaganda, the influence of social media, and the use of artificial intelligence in the post-truth era.
The guide presents practical methods for verifying information, including the SIFT method, and encourages young people to become active participants in protecting the information space. Nicolae Țîbrigan is one of the authors of the guide, alongside experts and representatives of partner organizations.
“Learn, Think, Participate – Democracy Toolkit”
The second tool, “Learn, Think, Participate – Democracy Toolkit”, was designed as a practical resource for trainers and teachers. The material includes recommendations on nonformal education for adolescents, the characteristics of cognitive and emotional development, communication techniques, lesson plans, and interactive activities.
The toolkit offers exercises that help students understand the mechanisms behind rumors, polarization, and misinformation, as well as how democratic institutions, elections, and civic participation work. The authors of the material include Nicolae Țîbrigan and Diana Moraru.
Regional Dialogue on Education and Democratic Resilience
On July 23, 2026, Nicolae Țîbrigan participated as a speaker at the project's closing event, „E-MPACT: A European Dialogue on Disinformation”, held at the Info Europa Center in Bucharest.
During the panel discussion „Democratic Education and Media Literacy in Western Balkans and Eastern Europe”, he discussed, alongside experts from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Montenegro, the impact of disinformation and artificial intelligence on the information space, as well as the need to integrate media literacy into democratic education. The participation of DFT experts in E-MPACT reflects the organization’s commitment to developing practical responses to information threats. Combating disinformation involves not only verifying false information on a case-by-case basis, but also educating citizens to analyze sources, recognize manipulation, and participate in public life as informed citizens.
Through these two guides, the project is leaving behind educational resources that can be used and adapted in schools, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and training programs throughout the region.
