By Demola Akinyemi

Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI), a non-profit organisation that champions access to digital education and skills, has educated about 500 children across 10 rural communities in Kwara State on digital citizenship and online safety.

The organisation’s Executive Director Nafisat Bakare, who disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in ilorin on Thursday, said the rural community outreach was in furtherance of her organisation’s ongoing advocacy to promote the understanding of digital citizenship and online safety among young people.

She disclosed that the outreach, which took place in communities across Ilorin South, Ilorin East, and Ifelodun local government areas, featured interactive sessions, games, and storytelling methods was designed to simplify complex concepts like privacy, digital footprints, and cyber hygiene.

“In the last two weeks, the community outreach has taken our team to communities across three local government areas of Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ifelodun. The communities visited are Ita Merin, Masingba Okekere, Ganmo, Ita Amodu, Oja-Iya, Jalala, Dada, Okelele, Gago, and Kilanko Orisunbare,” she noted.

Bakare revealed that 25 fellows from the inaugural cohort of the organisation’s Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Fellowship had, three weeks ago, conducted similar trainings for students in schools across the state.

According to her, these trainings are informed by the need to empower children and young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves against online risks and threats.

She noted that although the internet provides valuable opportunities for learning, creativity, and connecting with others, it also poses significant risks, especially for vulnerable children and young people.

“We are visiting rural communities because we strongly believe that every child, regardless of location, should have the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. We have to prepare all children for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

“As the internet becomes more accessible, children, particularly those in rural communities, are increasingly going online without proper guidance or protection. Many of them are unaware of the dangers associated with using digital devices.

“Through our awareness and training programmes, we are helping children understand how to protect their personal information, identify online threats, and behave responsibly on digital platforms.

“Additionally, we are introducing the children to concepts like critical thinking and fact-checking. Our mission is to raise a generation of smart, informed, and ethical digital citizens who use the internet safely and responsibly,” Bakare stated.