The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on 20th November 2023, conducted a series of trainer of trainers training on how to protect children from online risks and harm.
The trainers of trainers training aimed at equipping stakeholders with necessary knowledge and skills to train others on how to protect children online.
Opening the training on behalf of MACRA ‘s Director General in Lilongwe, Broadcasting Manager Mrs. Matilda Kanjeli indicated that children are exposed to a number of harmful content due to cybercrimes.
“Malawi as a country has also seen a surge in cyber-crimes notably mobile money fraud, cyberbullying, harassment, misinformation and the spread of fake news.” She said, adding: “This has made our children and young adults exposed to a wide range of explicit, hateful, sexual and harmful content making them more vulnerable to exploitation”.
The training attracted participants from Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Justice Ministry of Information, and representatives from other reputable organizations.
Similar workshops took place in the cities of Mzuzu and Blantyre and were funded by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).