Huawei, County Governments Partner To boost Safer Internet Use Among Youth -

By Staff Reporter

Huawei Technologies has unveiled a devolved training program
for youth in partnership with the County governments to drive stronger
awareness on the mechanics of making better and safer use of the Internet.

Speaking during the global commemoration known as Safer
Internet Day in Kilifi County, Huawei Director of Women in Technology Maureen
Mwaniki said the firm had partnered with several organizations to provide vital
cyber security information and practical use of devices to obtain optimal
benefits from the Internet.

“We are working closely with the Communications Authority
and County Governments to deepen our Kenyan youth’s understanding of how to use
the Internet for greater personal growth while at the same time protecting
themselves from online predators and fraudsters,” said Ms. Mwaniki.

The training involves using Huawei’s mobile digital
classroom known as DigitTruck that is equipped with computers connected to 4G
internet and teaching the youth extensively on online safety. They experience
gaming as a teaching tool by playing the Cyber Soljas game. Cyber Soljas
educates children on guidelines related to cybercrime, cyberbullying, ID theft,
fake news, and cat-phishing.

Ms. Mwaniki added that girls in particular are at higher
risk of being victims on the Internet and called for stronger parental and
teacher guidance to them on the opportunities that the worldwide web presents
for education as well as enterprise. However, she also noted that there are
individuals and organizations that prowl the Internet and target websites that
are easy to access and which promise benefits such as jobs and romantic
relationships.

“In this day and age, our people are exposed to higher risk
of being defrauded or even trafficked and it is incumbent upon each responsible
adult to educate their younger relatives and friends that while the Internet is
a mine of useful information, it also serves as a hunting ground for crafty
people. It is therefore crucial that they consult widely and learn to note the
red flags,” she explained.

Echoing her remarks, the Kilifi Deputy County Commissioner
Peter Ndungu said: “Internet use comes with its advantages. I encourage
everyone to share the skills acquired with their parents and siblings. We
believe that working with organizations like Huawei will build the necessary
partnerships to drive our youth to make the Internet useful since we have seen
they are able to use their time creatively to develop new skills, and to be
safe while at it.

The safer internet training will involve the Drigitruck
traveling to remote parts of the country, providing lessons covering a wide
range of topics, including the use of computers and the internet to find jobs,
study, market, and sell products while using search engine tools to access
helpful information online. The DigiTruck currently traversing counties within
the coast region arrived last week in Kilifi from Tana River County. As such,
the digital skills and online safety training will continue as the DigiTruck
moves to the next County.

The DigiTruck is Huawei’s long-term project under the
Tech4all initiative and one of many launched by Huawei to nurture ICT skills in
collaboration with various partners. In a bid to ensure safety among children,
Huawei recently launched the MatePad T10 Kids edition tablet specifically for
children. The device includes child-friendly educational content and software
that allows for parents to limit children’s screen time, control access to apps
and content. Huawei has a strong track
record in ensuring all its products are secure and safe and actively tackles
the challenges of online safety and cyber security through partnerships with
governments, customers, and partners in an open and transparent manner.

The Communications Authority’s Child Online Protection
initiative has created an online guide that allows for its partners, parents
and educators to step up advocacy on responsible use of the internet. Available
on the Child Online Protection portal, it addresses cyber bullying, online
fraud, internet addiction and solicitation of a minor amongst others. Following
the initiative, CA recommends being mindful of the information shared online,
caution on online to offline connections, avoiding or blocking content or
people that are unsuitable and unfriendly, and telling parents about problems
or concerns.