- A new digital literacy programme has been launched in Nanyuki to equip vulnerable youth with skills and protect them from online exploitation.
- Binti Mwangaza has enrolled about 30 students from informal settlements, including teenage mothers, into the three-month training programme.
- The initiative has expanded its curriculum to cover life skills, photography and entrepreneurship alongside digital literacy.
A new digital literacy programme targeting vulnerable young people in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, has been launched with a call for beneficiaries to use technology safely and responsibly while tapping into online opportunities.
Speaking during the launch, Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli said digital literacy would play a critical role in helping young people access employment opportunities while shielding them from online exploitation. He noted that the fast pace of technological development meant young people needed the knowledge and skills to identify potential dangers in online spaces.
“Youth need to enrol in digital learning classes to enable them to get job opportunities through online spaces and also avoid exploitation from predators unknowingly due to lack of information,” Muli said.
The programme is being implemented by Binti Mwangaza to support young people from informal settlements, with Muli encouraging participants to make good use of the training and become role models in their communities.
“All students who have benefitted from digital literacy training need to be role models since they will be exposed to various skills, including time management, counselling and entrepreneurship,” he said.
ALSO READ: Beyond the timetable: Every teacher carries a unique professional fingerprint
The initiative is targeting young people who have had limited access to formal training, including teenage mothers and boys from Likii, Majengo and neighbouring informal settlements. Binti Mwangaza founder Ann Gakii said about 30 students had so far joined the programme, which will run for three months, after which successful participants will graduate and receive certificates.
According to Gakii, the curriculum goes beyond digital literacy to include life skills, photography and entrepreneurship. “We want to equip the young people with practical skills that can help them become self-reliant while also enabling them to navigate the online environment safely,” she said.
KNUT backs Bomet ECDE teachers in call for fair recruitment process
The push for digital literacy comes at a time of heightened concern over online abuse targeting children and young people. The Child Light Global Child Safety Institute has reported that more than 300 million children are victims of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse each year.
The programme’s organisers hope the training will help vulnerable youth turn technology into a source of opportunity while reducing their exposure to online predators.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
