Google.org and JA Africa will train 750,000 young Africans in digital safety 📚🛡️

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With a $1.5 million grant, JA Africa and Google.org are rolling out a new digital literacy and online safety program targeting children, teachers, and parents in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The goal: prepare a new, hyper-connected generation to navigate the internet more safely — a challenge that remains urgent across the continent.

A program designed to keep kids safe online 🧒🏾🌐

Internet access is accelerating across sub-Saharan Africa, but many children are coming online without the skills needed to protect themselves. In Nigeria alone, recent studies show that over 70% of children aged 6 to 12 use the internet, yet most lack even basic safety knowledge. Similar trends are emerging in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

To address this growing gap, JA Africa — with support from Google.org — will deploy Google’s Be Internet Awesome (BIA) curriculum across the region by 2027. The initiative aims to train 250,000 children, 6,000 teachers, and 8,000 parents or guardians, ultimately reaching more than 750,000 people both directly and indirectly.

“Our children must be active participants in the digital world — but they must also be protected,” says Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa. “Thanks to Google.org, we’re helping build a generation of safe, responsible, and compassionate digital citizens.”

Interactive learning that’s accessible to all 🎮✨

The Be Internet Awesome program mixes interactive lessons with Interland, an educational game designed to teach kids about cyberbullying, privacy, strong passwords, misinformation detection, and more. The aim is to make digital safety both fun and practical for young learners.

“Every child deserves to navigate the internet with confidence and caution,” says Alessia Scarpellini of Google.org EMEA.

By working with JA Africa’s community-based model, Google also plans to reach rural communities and under-resourced schools that often get left behind.

Training sessions will take place in schools through teacher workshops and dedicated parent sessions. The initiative also aligns with national strategies, including Ghana’s Child Online Protection Framework, Nigeria’s online safety policies for minors, and Kenya’s guidelines on children’s digital safety.

Building a long-term culture of digital safety 🔐🌍

JA Africa and Google.org will go beyond training by launching awareness campaigns and public outreach efforts. Advocacy activities are planned around major events such as Safer Internet Day 2026, with the ambition of reaching millions more across the continent.

Both organizations will also work closely with Education and Communications ministries to integrate the curriculum into national school systems — a key step to ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Protecting children online requires the coordinated effort of schools, families, governments, and the private sector,” Nwogugu adds. “Together, we can build a safer and more inclusive digital Africa.”

About JA Africa and Google.org 🏫🤝

JA Africa is part of JA Worldwide. The organization operates in 23 African countries and trains more than one million young people each year in employability and entrepreneurship.

Google.org leverages Google’s technology, resources, and expertise to support public-interest initiatives and expand access to opportunity.

👉🏾 What digital safety skills do you think children should absolutely learn to stay protected online?