#SaferTogether, A Nation Wide Online Safety Initiative in Kenya in Partnership with TikTok.

With the successful launch of the #SaferTogether Training Initiative in Kenya on the 25th October 2023, our boots have been on the ground in an effort to rollout a country wide ToT model of execution. In collaboration with our local partners, Kenya Scouts Association, Kenya Association of International Schools and Riara University among others, we have been training children and youth and their entire ecosystem players (parents, guardians, educators, civil society, policy developers and implementers).

The #SaferTogether training seeks to achieve several outcomes some being:

1. Equipping participants, users and guardians with comprehensive knowledge of TikTok and essential skills in understanding of TikTok's community guidelines and content control features, among others.
2. Increase awareness and build capacity on #onlinesafety and #digitalwellbeing among users on the #tiktok platform.
3. Encourage and demonstrate positive social media uses by inculcating values, community guidelines and global digital citizenship.

A popular saying here in Kenya "Kwa Ground Vitu Ni Different" translation "Things On The Ground Are Always Different", the impact of our #SaferTogether Initiative has experienced impact beyond our imagination.

1. Contrary to popular belief, TikTok is NOT a young or youthful platform, it cuts across all generations, professions engage with TikTok directly and indirectly.
2. We have experienced engagement with educational content more than entertainment content.
3. Young people have bridged the digital generational gap through their engagement and collaboration.
4. True to TikTok's mission, to inspire creativity and bring joy, users' creativity has inspired joy within different communities.

#SaferTogether Initiative at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU).

The first Trainer of Trainers (ToT) training under the #SaferTogether Initiative at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU). The training involved 48 Scouts focusing on online safety and digital wellbeing.

The training highlighted both positive aspects and emerging concerns among young adults. Key areas of focus included mental wellbeing, managing digital drama, and the importance of curating meaningful content for building online profiles.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for engaging in the ToT model, recognizing its potential to positively contribute to the Scouts' Child Online Protection program. This eagerness emphasises their commitment to fostering a safer online environment for children.

In alignment with the national initiative to plant 1.5 billion trees in Kenya, the event incorporated a tree planting session. Eveminet participated in this session, planting trees to commemorate the #SaferTogether initiative, reinforcing the link between online safety advocacy and environmental conservation.

Rowallan Scouts Camp: Wood badge Training for Scouters’ Leadership.

This training was aimed at scout leaders undertaking the highest level of leadership training, the 166th Wood Badge program. Forty-nine participants representing 13 countries and 7 regions and 51 Constituencies ?across Kenya from counties including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Kericho, Kakamega, Saiya, Kwale, Machakos, Kitui, Homabay, Samburu, Nyeri, Lamu, Muranga, and Kisumu were trained and equipped with skills to positively impact scouts' lives through the use of the Internet.

George Ochieng, the Nairobi County Training Commissioner and Director of the 166th Wood Badge program. commended Eveminet's branding, task comprehension, and interactive engagement with the scout leaders.

#SaferTogether ToT Training in Abraders, Lower and Upper Eastern Region in Kenya.

With our sleeves rolled up, we began the year on a high note hosted in Embu county, we engaged around 30 rovers from 10 counties in the Abraders, Lower and Upper Eastern region in Kenya including Embu, Meru, Kitui, Muranga, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Nyeri, Isiolo, Kirinyaga and Makueni.

#SaferTogether ToT Training in North & South RiftValley Region

In collaboration with Kenya Scouts Association and Riara University, hosted in Nakuru County we brought participants from 7 countries including: Nakuru, Nandi, Kajiado, Baringo, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Narok.

One of the highlights from this training was launching our M&E system that enables the trainers to key in their impact and trainings real time. Additionally, engaging in real-world scenarios equipped them with hands-on experience in addressing online safety challenges and harnessing the platform through digital literacy.

#SaferTogether ToT Training in Coast Region

The shift in culture and language was definitely the highlight from this region, we had to be very intention in the delivery approach and content translation because this region is a heavy Swahili speaking get region.

It brought the following counties: Kwale (hosts), Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Tana River. The training was a success, effectively equipping participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills in TikTok safety, online well-being, and training methodologies. The high level of engagement, positive feedback, and demonstrated skill acquisition among trainees indicate the program's effectiveness in meeting its core objectives.

This ripple effect is anticipated to contribute to a safer, more informed digital environment in the region.

So far we have trained 30 out of 47 counties, the different trainers have trained about 207,000 learners in schools and clubs through hybrid training sessions and competitions.

We are grateful for the leadership of Zara Basharat Higgs and support of Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda and Keagile Makgoba from TikTok . We are also grateful for our continued partnership with KENYA SCOUTS ASSOCIATION , Riara University and Kenya Association of International Schools in achieving the goals and outcomes of #SaferTogether in Kenya and beyond.