Facebook has announced the launch of the 2021 edition of "My Digital World."
Initially launched in June 2020, "My Digital World" is a digital education program available throughout sub-Saharan Africa and designed to provide young people and the general public with the skills they need to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly. The 2021 edition of "My Digital World" is now available on the new website https://mydigitalworld.fb.com/ssa/, which features new content that has been updated and adapted to today's needs.
The program provides training and resources to educators and trainers, enabling them to help young people across sub-Saharan Africa with the information and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and connected world.
"Through the My Digital Universe program, Facebook is connecting with learners across the region and improving the digital community in sub-Saharan Africa," said Phil Oduor, program manager for economic impact and digital education at Facebook. "Designed for young people aged 13 to 18 in both high-tech and low-tech communities, the program provides step-by-step instructions with the ability to adapt it to their needs and learning environment. The modules help participants acquire tangible skills such as protecting personal data, identifying reliable sources, recognizing misinformation themes, and understanding what constitutes healthy online relationships," he added.
The "My Digital Universe" modules are divided into six pillars:
- Introduction to digital learning: Showing learners what the internet is, identifying what information can be shared on the internet, determining the different methods of accessing information online, and identifying the benefits, roles, and responsibilities of digital citizenship.
- Digital Foundations: Teach learners how to use tools to protect their digital devices and personal data online, as well as those of others.
- Digital Well-Being: Support learners' ability to engage online with others (individuals and community) in empathetic and positive ways, protect their physical and mental health, and explore their identity.
- Digital Engagement: Help learners develop the executive functions, critical thinking, and skills necessary to evaluate and share online media and information, as well as engage with different cultures and contexts.
Digital empowerment: Help learners use technology and social media to create positive change and better opportunities for themselves, their communities, and the world. Digital opportunities: Prepare learners to create the next innovations in technology and succeed in their careers and journeys.
All content is available and can be accessed free of charge. The program will be available in English, French, Kiswahili, and Amharic.
Facebook's "My Digital Universe" has partnered with organizations in sub-Saharan Africa to develop the program's learning modules and resources. The list of partners can be found at this link: https://mydigitalworld.fb.com/ssa/.
Source: press release