The internet has become a vital teaching and learning tool for both teachers and learners. However, it has also become a breeding ground for cyber bullying, sexual exploitation, hate speech, misinformation, financial scams, putting the wellbeing of young people at risk.
To solve this problem, GLLI designed SurfSMART, student-centered internet safety skills training programme that empowers children aged 10 to 18 in, and their teachers, parents, and guardians to use the internet safely through.
Our Approach
Partnerships with District Departments of Education and Non-profit Organizations
We collaborate with District Departments of Education and Non-profit Organizations to train and provide materials to Learner Support Agents (LSAs) and facilitators.
•LSAs and facilitators implement the programme in schools through internet safety clubs and workshops for students, teachers, and parents.
Partnership with Local Media Agencies
We partner with local radio stations, newspapers, and influencers to launch mass media campaigns aimed at creating awareness about internet safety.
Thanks to a small grant from the Africa Online Safety Fund and in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, GLLI piloted SurfSMART in 18 schools with 4100 students, 533 parents, and 110 teachers in the Eastern Cape in 2021. The success of this program drew interests from more education districts and nonprofit organizations on the continent.
Google.org recognized SurfSMART by featuring it in the following film about the Africa Online Safety programme.
Thanks to another grant from the Impact Amplifier Foundation, GLLI is expanding SurfSMART to 20 schools in the Eastern Cape and 4 schools in the South-West Province of Cameroon in 2024. This refined programme addresses the risks associated with children's exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), which poses new challenges to online safety. Focusing on cyberbullying, hate speech, sexual exploitation, and misinformation, SurfSMART empowers children, teachers, and parents. In 2024, we aim to reach 20,000 students across three districts in the Eastern Cape and pilot the project in Cameroon.
Additionally, partnerships with Ndlambe FM and Talk of the Town Newspaper will support media campaigns to promote internet safety within the community.
We welcome new partners to join us in reaching vulnerable children.
Global Leading Light Initiatives 2023
© GLLI 2023