Social media platform, Facebook, has unveiled “My Digital World”, a programme designed to equip the youth and general public across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with digital skills needed to navigate the digital world.
Facebook explained that My Digital World is a consolidation of all the platform’s digital literacy programs including Safe Online with Facebook, Ilizwe Lam, and eZibo, and will be offered virtually this year to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mark Zuckerberg-led company has over the years trained thousands of people on digital literacy skills and is preparing in 2020 to train about 20,000 more participants across Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, and Ethiopia on safe, responsible and beneficial usage of the digital platforms.
“We remain committed to equipping young people and the general public across Sub-Saharan Africa with the vital digital skills needed to navigate the digital world, especially during these challenging times of COVID-19,” says Phil Oduor, policy programs, manager for economic impact and digital literacy, Facebook.
He added that never has it been more important to invest in, and train communities and the next generation of leaders to better understand and utilise the power of digital tools to take full advantage of what the internet has to offer.
According to him, the training is coming pro bono open to youths aged 13 years and above, and will also focus on teachers, parents and guardians.
The sessions commenced from Monday, June 15th, with the programme including Up to 90-minutes Instructor-led live webinars featuring presentations, demos and virtual discussions.
Digital marketing campaigns highlighting best practices, tips, quizzes and polls on digital literacy topics, with content delivered through Facebook and Instagram, and modules on online safety, privacy, news and media literacy, and digital citizenship are included.
Facebook said it is committed to the well-being of individuals and communities visiting its platforms and has invested in initiatives designed to build awareness on responsible online behaviour, critical thinking and understanding of social issues.
