By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS part of ongoing efforts to promote safer digital learning environments for young people, TechHer, in collaboration with Cummins and supported by the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) FCT, organised a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) session for educators.

The training for the teachers is on the heels of the successful completion of its Digital Safety School Tour across Junior Secondary Schools in Gwagwa and Zuba, Abuja.

Meanwhile, 10 teachers from JSS Gwagwa and JSS Zuba, respectively, were equipped with practical skills and resources to continue digital literacy and online safety education within their schools, and earlier, over 212 students had received foundational lessons on digital responsibility, online behaviour, and internet safety.

Recognising the important role teachers play in shaping students’ behaviours and decision-making, the training focused on helping educators better understand the realities of students’ digital experiences, identify online risks, and create safer learning environments both online and offline.

Opening the session, Digital Literacy and Education Officer at TechHer, Ugochi Ihe, highlighted the expanding responsibilities of educators in today’s increasingly connected world.

Ihe, also noted that teachers are now expected to support students beyond academic instruction, particularly as young people navigate complex digital spaces.

The representative of Cummins, Tina Ndam, in her remarks emphasised the link between digital safety and future learning opportunities, particularly in STEM-related fields.

“At Cummins, we believe students can only fully explore and succeed in STEM when they are equipped to engage confidently and safely online. Supporting teachers with the right knowledge and tools is an important step toward preparing a generation that is both digitally aware and future-ready”, Ndam said.

The first session of the training, facilitated by Ms Ihe, explored the realities of today’s digital environment and how young people interact with online platforms. During the practical exercises and scenario-based discussions, participating teachers examined emerging online behaviours, warning signs of digital harm, and strategies for supporting students effectively, which Ihe explained that, “Digital safety education becomes more meaningful when it reflects the real experiences students face online every day. Teachers need to understand those realities deeply so guidance moves beyond theory and becomes practical, relatable, and responsive.

Meanwhile, during the second segment of the training by Women’s Digital Rights and Safety Officer, TechHer, Gbemisola Adebowale, spoke extensively on practical response mechanisms, including reporting procedures, referral pathways, and classroom-based strategies for addressing digital safety concerns in response to a discussion raised by teachers on how best to respond when students report harmful online experiences.

“When students choose to speak about harmful online experiences, the response they receive matters deeply. Teachers often become the first point of support, and their actions can shape whether students feel safe enough to continue seeking help”, and also stressed the importance of adaptability in education while noting that digital literacy must evolve alongside the changing realities of technology and online interaction. “The future of education is increasingly digital and interconnected. Teachers are now helping students navigate information, relationships, and risks in real time. That responsibility requires continuous learning, flexibility, and intentional support systems.”

Meanwhile, participants reflected on the session and a collective call for educators to embrace their roles not only as instructors, but also as trusted guides capable of recognising digital risks early and connecting students to appropriate support systems.

To support continued learning after the training, participants received digital safety charts and classroom toolkits designed to help integrate online safety lessons into everyday teaching practice.

Sharing feedback after the session, a teacher from JSS Zuba simply called Mrs Hadassah, said: “This training has broadened my understanding of what it means to support students today. Their experiences online affect them deeply, and teachers have an important role to play in helping them navigate those spaces safely.”

Similarly, Mr Salihu Jonah of JSS Gwagwa commended the practical approach of the training, saying, “What stood out to me was how practical the sessions were. We did not just discuss digital safety theoretically; we practised how to respond, teach, and guide students effectively. I am leaving with knowledge I can apply immediately.”

This initiative reflects TechHer’s continued commitment to building safer digital ecosystems by empowering educators as key drivers of sustainable digital literacy and online safety education. Through strategic partnerships and community-based engagement, TechHer remains committed to ensuring that young people are equipped to navigate digital spaces safely, responsibly, and confidently.