Digify Africa, in partnership with Meta, has announced that it will promote digital literacy and online safety through a free-of-charge learning WhatsApp bot, Kitso, and a free webinar, in celebration of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, 11 February.
Kitso is designed to raise awareness about pressing internet safety issues, such as cyberbullying, misinformation and digital privacy threats, especially to teachers, parents and guardians, as well as professionals and organisations in the education sector, Digify Africa says.
Under this year's theme for Safer Internet Day 'Too Good to be True, Protecting Yourself and Others from Online Scams', Digify Africa through Kitso is hosting a virtual event to empower schools, educators and communities with practical tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, the organisation adds.
Safer Internet Day is a globally recognised event that encourages responsible internet use and highlights the importance of digital well-being, says Digify Africa.
Digify Africa says that it offers digital citizens the skills to safely navigate the space. Kitso covers topics such as an introduction to your online presence, protecting your privacy, navigating false information, building your online community, digital tools for the classroom and using digital tools to make a difference. Participants will receive certificates upon completion which they can put on their CVs.
"Our goal with Kitso, which is freely accessible on WhatsApp, is to provide an engaging online safety education to communities that need it most," says Qhakaza Mohare, Digify Africa COO. "Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others from online risks."
Mohare says that the webinar will serve as a platform to share insights on cyberbullying, data privacy, responsible digital citizenship and best practices for fostering a secure online environment.
"Digify Africa believes that equipping communities with the right tools is crucial in fostering a safer and more inclusive digital space," Mohare adds.
Digify Africa says that educators are encouraged to interact with Kitso, free of charge, using this number +27765937181, simply type "HI" on WhatsApp and start learning.
The organisation concludes that the free webinar is scheduled as follows:
- Date: Tuesday, 11 February
- Time: 10:00 to 12:00
- Platform: Digify Africa Facebook Page (Live on Facebook)
For more information, visit www.digifyafrica.com. You can also follow Digify Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor