Cybersmart Botswana appointed Safer Internet Day Coordinator
Cybersmart Botswana has been designated the official coordinator and promoter in the country for the commemoration of Safer Internet Day.
Safer Internet Day, which is observed globally on the second Tuesday of each February, is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of online safety and promoting responsible and positive use of digital technologies, especially among children and young people.
The role encompasses promoting and championing the commemoration of Safer Internet Day in Botswana, employing strategies such as convening a coordinating committee, stakeholder mobilisation, including schools, awareness building, as well as capacity building to ensure impactful commemorative activities by various stakeholders.
This year, Safer Internet Day will be commemorated on Tuesday, 6th February under the theme, ‘Together for a Safer Internet.’
The commemoration of Safer Internet Day globally is coordinated by the EUN Partnership, through a network of European based organisations such as InSafe, InHope and Better Internet for Kids, and funded by the European Commission.
Safer Internet Day International Campaign Coordinator, Sarah Willoughby explained that the designation of Cybersmart Botswana as the official promoter of the day in Botswana acknowledges the organisation’s contribution to the advancement of online safety within Botswana society.
She added that since 2020, the Cybersmart Botswana has demonstrated dedication to creating a safer and better internet by organising and spearheading Safer Internet Day campaigns in the country.
As the Official Promoter, Cybersmart Botswana is expected to spearhead initiatives that bring together government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, non-profit organisations, and the general public in a collective effort to promote online safety.
Cybersmart Botswana Programme Director, David Moepeng, expressed enthusiasm about the role that his organisation has been designated to assume, highlighting their commitment to creating a safer and more secure online space for Batswana.
“We are honoured to be designated as the official Safer Internet Day promoter in Botswana. This role aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely,” he said.
Safer Internet Day provides a unique platform to unite stakeholders in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving digital landscape.”
Moepeng added that their role as the official promoter will enhance their work in organising awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to equip individuals with the tools to protect themselves and their communities in the digital realm.
This includes the recentlylaunched eBotho Digital Literacy Roadshow, which features digital skills seminars in public libraries around the country.
He added that Cybersmart Botswana will continue to aim to foster collaboration between stakeholders, encouraging the sharing of best practices and innovative approaches to enhance online safety.
“We recognise the importance of a collective and coordinated approach to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the digital era, hence our continued collaboration with such institutions as Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority, Botswana National Library Service, EU Delegation to Botswana and the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge and Technology,” Moepeng aid.