ISOC Rwanda Empowers Students with Responsible Internet Use Amidst Safer Internet Day Celebrations

Elias Hakizimana Feb 23, 2024 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

In Bugesera district, students and their parents have been equipped with essential digital skills and internet literacy, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior to mitigate potential risks.

During the culmination of the Safer Internet Day celebration on February 23, 2024, at G.S St. Tite Butereri and EP. Kayovu in Bugesera district, officials reiterated the call for responsible internet usage among students.

The themes of the event, “Together for a better Internet” and “Safer Internet, Safer Generations,” underscored the need for positive online content and highlighted safety measures for children online.

Donatille Yankurije, the headteacher of G.S St Tite Butereri, expressed gratitude for the support from ISOC Rwanda, emphasizing its significant role in enhancing children’s education.

“This organization has provided invaluable resources such as printers, scanners, internet access, and training, all of which positively impact our students’ learning experience,” Yankurije remarked.

Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda, emphasized the importance of supervision in students’ internet use for academic purposes. He urged educators to oversee students’ technology engagement during learning activities and advised parents to monitor their children’s smartphone usage to mitigate potential risks.

“Parents should exercise vigilance over their children’s smartphone usage when provided for research purposes, and they should refrain from sharing photos and videos of their children on social media platforms, as misuse may have adverse consequences on their future prospects.” Mitumukiza said.

***Emmanuel Mfitumukiza, serving as the Chairperson of ISOC Rwanda Chapter, addresses attendees during the Safer Internet Day celebrations, emphasizing the importance of responsible online behavior.***

Parents also expressed appreciation for the educational resources provided to their children, citing the transformative impact of internet accessibility on community lives.

Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in Ruhuha Sector, Bugesera district, commended ISOC Rwanda for its contribution to children’s education and stressed the need for responsible internet usage to safeguard children’s future.

The Executive Secretary of Ruhuha sector highlighted the significant benefits of the internet in enriching children’s knowledge and expressed a commitment to increasing school attendance due to students’ keen interest in digital literacy.

An official from the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) emphasized the collective responsibility in building knowledge and ensuring a safe internet environment.

Students were cautioned against accepting unnecessary internet services from strangers and encouraged to use the internet wisely, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.

Safer Internet Day 2024 was celebrated from February 6th to 23rd, 2024, in Rwanda, engaging partner schools of ISOC Rwanda chapter in promoting responsible internet usage.