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The month of February was earmarked to raise awareness on the safety of children on the cyber space. Part of the awareness initiatives is the commemoration of the Safer Internet Day, which is celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of February.
This year we celebrated the day in Zomba at Zomba Catholic Secondary school in collaboration with YONECO, under the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
Speaking at the function, MACRA’s Board chairperson Counsel Chancy Gondwe stated that MACRA’s mandate is to ensure that communication services are accessible, equitable, and safe for all Malawians and Child online protection is central to this mission.
“The goal for MACRA is to provide a conducive and enabling environment for the growth of cyberspace and the digital economy. Malawi cannot transform digitally if our cyberspace is not safe for the youth who are the future of this nation” he said.
In his remarks the Executive Director of Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO), MacBain Mkandawire, raised concern over increasing cases of child abuse in Malawi, saying many victims continue to suffer because counselling services are limited. He called on MACRA to help the Ministry of Gender strengthen awareness and promotion of trained counsellors so that communities know where to seek help.
Continuing the commemoration activities the consumer affairs department led by Kelious Mlenga conducted several school visits in Machinga and Mangochi targeting both students at secondary schools and teachers in training. The school visits were meant to address the knowledge gap on cyber hygiene as well as equip the teachers in training with tools on how they can ensure children in their care are protected from digital threats.
