KEMMCOM, in collaboration with Meta, is proud to announce the completion of the second implementation of the highly successful ‘My Digital World’ programme in Ethiopia with nearly 10,000 users across fifteen Ethiopian cities trained on safe and responsible digital media use.
Building upon the achievements of the first programme, which focused on training adolescents in private and community schools, KEMMCOM’s collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for the second phase of the ‘My Digital World’ programme was made possible through the Ethiopian Civil Society Organisational Council (ECSOC) and extended the knowledge and skills of safe and responsible social media usage to the general public with university students, youth groups, trade unions, law-enforcement officials, people with disabilities, and factory workers among the audience groups trained in their own premises.
This achievement highlights the programme’s extensive reach and commitment to providing valuable digital citizenship training across different regions of Ethiopia.
Building on Success: First ‘My Digital World’ Programme
The success of the first phase of the ‘My Digital World’ programme, which focused on training adolescents aged 13-18 in private and community schools, served as a testament to the effectiveness of KEMMCOM’s approach. By engaging with passionate and dedicated ICT teachers, KEMMCOM empowered nearly 12,000 adolescents with the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and responsible social media engagement.
Expanding the Reach: Collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
Recognising the importance of reaching a wider audience, KEMMCOM partnered with various CSOs identified through ECSOC for the implementation of the second phase of ‘My Digital World.’ These organisations brought valuable expertise and community connections, enabling the programme to effectively engage with diverse groups within Ethiopian society. By collaborating with CSOs, KEMMCOM aimed to ensure that individuals from all walks of life had access to essential knowledge and skills for safe and responsible social media usage.
Looking Ahead: Empowering the General Public
With the second implementation of the ‘My Digital World’ programme, KEMMCOM took a significant step forward in its mission to empower Ethiopian citizens as responsible digital citizens. By partnering with CSOs and ECSOC and extending the training to the general public, KEMMCOM aimed to create a widespread culture of safe and responsible social media usage. The programme equipped participants with essential skills such as critical thinking, information verification, and privacy protection, enabling them to navigate the digital world confidently.
As Ethiopia continues to embrace the digital age, it has become increasingly crucial to educate citizens on safe and responsible social media usage. Digital literacy plays a crucial role in Ethiopia’s peace building efforts by creating awareness change of users and equipping them with the tools to have a healthy and productive digital experience.