Safer Internet Day 2022 : Promoting the culture of the positive use of the Internet in Rwandan Society, especially among the youth

On Tuesday, 8 February 2022 at G.S NYIRARUKOBWA, in Rwanda we celebrated the 3rd edition of Safer Internet Day (SID) with a theme of “Promoting the culture of the positive use of the Internet in Rwandan

Society, especially among the youth “, the day called upon all stakeholders to join together to make the Internet a safer and better place for children and young people to learn and Innovate.

This year edition has brought together students, parents, teachers, church representatives and a delegate from the Bugesera District Education Unit and encouraged everyone to join the movement, to participate, and to promote positive use of the Internet in Rwandan Society, especially among the youth.

NTABWOBA Jean Paul, Delegate from BUGESERA district Education Unit,urged participants to use Internet responsibly in order to avoid potential harms that can arise from its improper use.

He Said “when the tool is misused, it causes loss to the owner, the school and the country as a whole. The Internet should not be a problem, it should help us find solutions of our own problems”.

He also appreciated ISOC Rwanda Chapter for promoting a safer and a better Internet for children and youth and urged participants to spread today’s message in the community.

HARINDINTWARI Bosco, CEPN church representative said that they have gained knowledge and will play a key role in mobilizing young people in the churches by leading them to make better use of the Internet”.

MFITUMUKIZA Emmanuel, Coordinator of Rwanda Safer Internet Day Committee said that ” The Internet is a place of opportunities, so, no one has the rights to use it negatively in his/her own benefits. It is a common network of all of us therefore we have responsibilities of using it positively to preserve the next generation of Internet Users. Today’s theme call us to promote positive use of the Internet therefore we have to speak the good of the Internet, what we have benefited from its use that children and youth can enjoy”.

In closing his remarks, Emmanuel requested everyone to play their part by making a positive difference online. “We can all promote the positive by being kind and respectful to others and by seeking out positive opportunities to create and connect” he added.

Every year, Safer Internet Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the importance of both a safer and a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. It aims to reach out to children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, educators and social workers, as well as industry, decision makers and politicians, to encourage everyone to play their part in creating a better internet for young People.