NGO launches fellowship to promote child online safety

Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI), a non-profit organsiation that champions access to digital education and skills, on Thursday, held a graduation ceremony for the inaugural cohort of its Digital Citizenship and Online Safety Fellowship.

Speaking at the ceremony in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nafisat Bakare, said the fellowship was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to foster a safer and more inclusive digital space.

She disclosed that 25 selected fellows underwent an intensive two-week training programme, covering areas such as digital literacy, online ethics, privacy and data protection, and strategies for combating cyberbullying and misinformation.

According to her, the fellows include educators, youth leaders, and community advocates passionate about fostering safe and responsible internet usage

“For two weeks, we invited experienced facilitators and professionals in digital media, online safety, data protection, and cybersecurity to train our fellows through skill-building workshops. The participants also had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and networking sessions,” she stated.

Bakare explained that with the completion of the training programme, fellows will visit schools across Kwara State to raise awareness about online safety and educate students on how to protect themselves from online threats.

She added that the fellows will also introduce students to concepts such as fact-checking and critical thinking to help them navigate the online world responsibly.

“This programme is more than just a fellowship, it’s a movement toward building a safer, more informed, and proactive digital community. Together with our dedicated fellows, we will explore, engage, and take steps toward creating a better and safer online space for all,” she added.

In her remarks, Hauwa Sogbade, who is the Child Safeguarding Officer at WDSFAI and Project Lead for the fellowship, said the programme reflected the commitment of the organisation to promoting digital safety, responsible online engagement, and safeguarding young internet users.

She expressed confidence that the fellows would apply their knowledge to create a positive impact in their communities and contribute to a safer digital world.

“When fellows were asked to mention what they learnt from the fellowship, their responses and enthusiasm to share with others what they have learnt proves how impactful this fellowship has been for them. I am confident that they will apply their newly acquired knowledge to create a positive impact in their communities and contribute to a safer digital world,” Shogbade said.