Youth in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, have been challenged to embrace digital learning to protect themselves from online predators.
Laikipia East Deputy County Commissioner Patrick Muli highlighted that technology was advancing rapidly, leaving many young people exposed to online exploitation without their knowledge.
He noted that a lack of digital literacy has left youth vulnerable to being preyed upon and exploited in online spaces. “Youth need to enroll in digital learning classes to enable them to get job opportunities through online spaces and also avoid exploitation from predators unknowingly due to lack of information,” said Muli.
The call was made during the official launch of a digital literacy programme targeting young people from informal settlements in the county courtesy of Binti Mwangaza, a community-based organization that aims to equip vulnerable youth with essential digital skills.
Muli at the same time encouraged the youth to acquire digital skills that will enable them to safely navigate online work environments and earn a living.
“All students who have benefitted from digital literacy training need to be a role model since they will be exposed to various skills, including time management, counselling and entrepreneurship,” noted the administrator.
Ms. Ann Gakii, founder of Binti Mwangaza, a subsidiary of Binti Digital Literacy Hub, which targets teenage mothers and boys from Likii, Majengo, and other informal settlements who lack formal training, revealed that about 30 students had enrolled.
She said that the beneficiaries are expected to graduate in three months and receive certificates upon successful completion of the courses.
In addition, Ms. Gakii noted that apart from digital skills training, the young people were being trained on life skills, photography, and entrepreneurship, among other skills.
Meanwhile, according to Child Light Global Child Safety Institute’s recent report, more than 300 million children are victims of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse yearly.
By Muturi Mwangi
