Digital citizenship and online safety with Webfala

Project status: Closed

Country: Nigeria

Partner: Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative

Impact goal: 1500 school children and 50 parents and teachers

About the project

In our increasingly connected world, technology permeates nearly every aspect of daily life. Emphasizing the internet and the ubiquity of social media and online platforms make it imperative to educate students, teachers, parents and others about responsible online conduct. Through our Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Program we emphasized digital citizenship and online safety not only equips young learners to traverse the digital landscape safely but also teaches them to engage ethically. The Digital Citizenship and Online Safety program was thoughtfully designed to address these challenges directly, empowering students, parents and teachers with the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely.

Updates

Webfala have organized impactful digital citizenship and online safety training sessions across five rural communities in Kwara State, Nigeria. These sessions aimed to raise awareness among parents and children about the importance of safe internet practices. Despite having access to phones and the internet, many in these communities were unaware of the potential online risks that children face, making this training sessions a crucial first step in building digital resilience. They have successfully trained 1,200 students across 25 private and public schools in Kwara State. The highlight of the training was educating the children on potential online dangers such as identity theft, scams, cyberstalking, sexual abuse, online predators, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, hate speech, and more. Students learned the importance of protecting their personal information online, handling cyberbullying, and critically assessing online content to distinguish between genuine and deceptive sources.

For many participants, this was their first exposure to such vital information. The training covered a wide range of topics, including identifying online risks for children, understanding misinformation and disinformation, recognizing fake news, and setting up privacy settings. Participants also learned about the importance of password protection, spotting red flags of online child sexual abuse and exploitation, and how to report crimes against children online. The sessions were well-received, with attendees finding the information both informative and practical for their daily lives.

Results

The post-evaluation report on the Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Training Project reveals that a total of 1,469 individuals, spanning both urban and rural areas, participated in the training. Of the schools involved, 99% reported that the training met their expectations, reflecting the high quality and relevance of the content. Additionally, 100% of the parents noted that the training addressed their needs, highlighting its effectiveness in empowering families to guide their children in the digital world. Furthermore, 95% of the teachers believed that the training was relevant to their educational goals, underscoring its importance in the curriculum. And 100% of the students expressed that they enjoyed the training and are eager to participate in more sessions in the future.

Many participants found the interactive components of the training, such as role-playing scenarios and real-life case studies, to be highly effective in illustrating the importance of online safety. Additionally, the focus on real-world applications, including the use of digital tools and resources, was valued for helping participants better understand how to implement safe practices in their daily digital interactions. The integration of hands-on activities and discussions facilitated a deeper engagement with the material, making the learning experience both

The feedback from participants highlights a strong appreciation for the training sessions, noting their significant impact on students' understanding and behavior regarding online safety. Schools expressed gratitude for the engaging and insightful nature of the workshops, emphasizing the value of the knowledge and skills imparted, which they believe will positively influence students' internet use both now and in the future.

The Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Training Project has proven to be a resounding success, with a significant impact on the participants, particularly in bridging the digital literacy gap in both urban and rural areas. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teachers, and parents alike underscores the program's effectiveness and relevance, participants affirming that it addressed their needs. The project not only equipped participants with essential digital skills but also fostered a safer and more informed online presence, setting a strong foundation for continued digital education initiatives. As the project concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of empowered digital citizens who are better prepared to navigate the complexities of the online world responsibly.

About the partner

Webfala Digital Skills For All Initiative is a non-profit organization established in 2018. Their mission is to empower underprivileged children, girls, youths and women in Nigeria with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and digital literacy skills that will enable them create their own future and compete favorably in this digital age.

Webfala provide them with the tools to operate at the speed of digital, to innovate and to ignite social change in their respective communities and beyond. At Webfala, they don't just close the digital gap, they influence and empower marginalized young Nigerians to create a whole new reality and future for themselves through trainings and supports.