The dictionary definition of awareness is clear: it represents knowledge of something’s existence or a deep understanding of a situation or subject, derived from information and experience.
In today’s knowledge-driven world, awareness stands as a fundamental pillar for achieving success. Our capacity to grasp situations within their historical, political, social, and cultural contexts underpins every social interaction and professional endeavor. It’s no exaggeration to say that awareness, as a skill, demands acquisition, continual practice, and regular evaluation. It’s an ever-evolving process that should never cease, especially when one is committed to continuous growth and self-improvement.
“Knowledge and awareness stand as two contrasting facets. Knowledge embodies what the world imparts to us, whereas awareness is what we seek through inquiry, challenge, and even subversion of the ingrained knowledge systems within us.”
A famous adage, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing,” as conveyed by the 18th-century British poet Alexander Pope, emphasizes the necessity for humans to explore and learn to avoid falling prey to deceit and deception. This adage resonates even more today when information has transformed into a commodity. Those who create, disseminate, and profit from it often engage in the business of misinformation, leading ordinary individuals astray. Children, in particular, are highly susceptible to the information conveyed through advertising, the internet, and commercial entities.
Disinformation undoubtedly poses dangers, with lasting consequences that impact one’s relationship with the world. Cognitive biases, blind spots, and entrenched social and cultural norms further hinder one’s ability to make informed decisions and act accordingly. Adding to these challenges, the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation makes it increasingly difficult for people to discern truth from deception and comprehend the mechanisms behind decisions that affect real-life outcomes.
“At Alma Mater, we firmly believe that the right kind of awareness serves as a potent antidote to all forms of misinformation and disinformation. Yet, obtaining this vital awareness can often seem like a stroke of luck. ”We aspire to be the catalysts that facilitate the process of making this essential awareness accessible to our target audience. Being the source of this transformative phenomenon would bring us immense satisfaction and fulfilment.