The National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) and Vodacom Mozambique have signed a memorandum of understanding, establishing a strategic partnership to deploy a nationwide Privacy and Data Protection Literacy Programme targeting schools.
Signed at Josina Machel Secondary School in Maputo late last week, the initiative aims to promote digital education among Mozambican students by providing fundamental knowledge on privacy, digital security and the responsible use of information and communication technologies, INTIC said.
This follows the introduction in January of a digital platform dedicated to receiving reports of personal data breaches in the digital space, aimed at strengthening privacy protection and building citizens' confidence in the use of digital tools.
According to INTIC, the agreement establishes mechanisms for cooperation between the two organisations to implement the programme.
Its main objectives include encouraging the safe use of the internet, social networks and other digital platforms, helping to close digital literacy gaps in the country's schools, and raising awareness among students of preventive measures against digital risks, including social engineering, phishing and smishing.
As part of the partnership, INTIC will provide specialists in areas such as personal data protection, digital law, online sexual abuse and emerging risks in the digital environment, strengthening the technical and educational components of the training activities.
Lourino Chemane, chairman of the board of directors of INTIC, highlighted the strategic relevance of the initiative for the country's digital future.
"This initiative will develop in students a true culture of digital responsibility, empowering them to understand their rights and duties in the online environment and to make more informed and secure choices," he said.
Chemane said students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of topics such as digital privacy, personal data protection, creating secure passwords, social engineering risks, cyber-bullying, grooming, online dating schemes, cyber sexual abuse and other increasingly common threats in the digital space.
"The digital world offers countless opportunities, but also significant challenges. Therefore, education and awareness continue to be our best prevention tools," he said.
The programme will be gradually expanded to other provinces across Mozambique, enabling an increasing number of students to have access to essential knowledge for active participation in a digital society.
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