By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Viola Motsumi said her department, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has successfully concluded the first day of its three-day provincial online safety training workshop held at Kings Gate Palace in Rustenburg.
Motsumi said the schedule to proceeded from 3-5 September 2024. She further said the training aims to equip educators with the essential knowledge and skills they can transfer to learners on how to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.
“Recognising the growing influence of technology on education, the workshop focused on understanding both the positive and negative impacts of the cyber world on the learning environment. As a province committed to educational advancement, North West was selected as the pilot province for this innovative initiative.
“The online safety training provides valuable insights into online safety practices and strategies to address challenges faced by school communities. I am enthusiastic for the workshop’s success,” said Motsumi.
She further said she is delighted by the positive response and engagement from the educators and the stakeholders during this groundbreaking training. Motsumi added that by equipping them with the tools to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, they are taking a significant step towards ensuring that the schools are not only places of learning, but also safe havens for the youth.
“From here, our educators will transfer the skills learned to learners in their schools so they they use cyberspace responsibly and not as a platform to bully each other. We are fortunate to have stakeholders such as the Film and Publication Board, Google, the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies, amongst other stakeholders to address the challenges in cyberspace and how they can optimise cybersecurity for school-going children.
“Other stakeholders that are part of the online safety workshop, include MTN, Agape Youth Movement, Movibgdot, teacher unions and School Governing Bodies. This training marks a crucial milestone in the department’s efforts to prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” she said.
The Guardian 