“They called me and claimed they had mistakenly sent RWF 90,000 to my phone. I asked them again to confirm if it was really RWF 90,000, they said yes. But when I told them I had actually received RWF 100,000; they quickly changed the story and said they’d made a mistake.” This was a story shared by one of the participants during a digital safety training held in Karongi District. The story illustrates a common scam tactic targeting mobile money users. The participant shared it while attending a 2-day training designed to teach people how to protect their personal information, devices, and themselves while using the internet and digital technologies.
This training was organized by Amatha Tech, in partnership with the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter and local youth from Karongi District.
What Did Participants Learn?
The 2-day training focused on six core topics, on the first day, participants were introduced to the importance of protecting personal data. They also explored the risks of not securing one’s information online. One key message: be cautious when clicking on links received through social media or SMS. Participants were reminded that safeguarding your personal data helps protect your identity and privacy while online.
The second day focused on practical steps to secure digital devices and information. Attendees were guided on how to set strong passwords on their phones, secure their mobile money accounts, and apply other digital safety tips to improve their overall security.
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Click here to learn how to set a strong password and PINs.
Who Attended?
The training welcomed a diverse group of 100 participants, with a mix of young people and elders. The oldest participant was 81 years old, showing that digital safety matters for everyone, regardless of age.
All participants owned mobile phones. While some had smartphones, others used feature phones, making it essential to tailor the training to different levels of access and digital literacy.
t the end of the two days, participants received certificates of completion and were encouraged to share the knowledge they gained with others in their communities.
The Rwanda Chapter of the Internet Society emphasized that this was just the beginning of their work in the region. Though this was their first training in Karongi, it won’t be the last. Due to time constraints, the sessions were considered an introductory step, a spark to ignite curiosity and build awareness.
In addition to this program, the director of Amatha Tech, Niyonagize Aime announced that more training sessions for youth are underway. Participants will also receive basic digital tools to help them put their skills into practice.
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