To mark this year’s #SaferInternetDay, Google, in collaboration with National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Public Procurement Development Centre (PPDC) has launched “Digital Parenting Initiative” a program aimed at educating guardians, teachers and families on online tools that bring families together to learn, have fun and be safe online.
Google also made a disclosure that $1million Fund has be earmarked for the implementation of the laudable project which is expected to cover the 36 states of the federation.
Speaking during the Press Conference, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head of Brand and Reputation at Google Africa, “Google is committed to a safe internet for children, as well as the empowerment of organisations who share this commitment,”
“The fund will be administered by a third-party partner on behalf of Google.org, and we will be sharing details on application criteria and deadlines soon.” she stated.
Dr Garba Abari, DG, NOA, while commenting on the importance of Safer Internet Day, said “Safer Internet Day provides a great opportunity to promote internet safety across a range of audiences and is an event which we strongly support.
“We are really glad to be collaborating with Google and our reliable partners, PPDC, to launch this laudable initiative aimed at promoting safer web for our school children, Teachers and their parents” Garba remarked.
Nkemdilim Ilo, CEO, PPDC. “Safer Internet Day brings schools, parents, teachers and industry together to make sure children have the power, information and resilience they need to make safe and informed choices online.
“This year, we are particularly pleased that with the support of Google and the Government we have been able to infuse online safety courses into the Nigerian school curriculum. This will teach children the practical and emotional skills they need as they navigate their way through the digital world.” she added.
Google also announced Be Internet Awesome, its landmark child online safety programme, in the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya on the 13th of February. Be Internet Awesome seeks to help minors explore the internet safely and confidently.