The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) on October 16 and 17, conducted a transformative two-day “Cyber Road Show” in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), with more than 450 students across eight schools in the region benefitting from the initiative.
Students from Manchester Secondary, Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, Berbice Educational Institute, Tutorial Academy, Berbice High School, and Vryman’s Erven Secondary, were all engaged in the cyber hygiene training sessions aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness and promoting safe online practices among young learners.
A press statement released by NDMA, noted that the interactive sessions, which were spearheaded by a team from NDMA’s Cybersecurity Division, offered students insights on navigating the digital landscape, protecting personal information, and identifying online threats. At a time when students are utilising the internet even more, especially for academic purposes and/or recreational pursuits such as gaming and social media, the initiative is timely, providing pivotal knowledge for improving online security and encouraging informed decision-making.
Meanwhile, Acting Headmistress of Manchester Secondary, Maharishi Crawford-Moore, emphasised the timeliness and significance of cybersecurity education, highlighting the need to empower students with the skills necessary to protect themselves in this digital era. Underscoring this sentiment, Headmaster of Lower Corentyne Secondary, Karl Vanier, stressed the imperative nature of extending cybersecurity education to all schools nationwide, pointing out the vulnerabilities faced by students in both rural and urban settings.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Road Show has not only raised awareness among students but also empowered attending teachers to reinforce cybersecurity lessons within their classrooms, ensuring a collective effort towards creating a safer digital environment for all in this new era. Furthermore, it was noted that through engaging discussions and practical exercises, students were encouraged to share their online experiences, learn to identify potential risks, and prioritise safe practices while utilising digital platforms.
According to the release, in its ongoing effort and commitment to promoting cybersecurity education, NDMA plans to continue conducting similar training programs in various regions throughout Cybersecurity Month and beyond. Through bridging the digital gap and offering comprehensive educational resources, NDMA aims to equip students with the necessary tools to excel in an interconnected world, with the understanding that online safety is a shared responsibility for all internet users.
NDMA assures that it remains dedicated to empowering communities with information on how to stay secure in an increasingly interconnected world. To support these efforts, additional resources on online safety and cybersecurity practices can be found on the NDMA’s website at ndma.gov.gy, as well as on its social media pages, where updates about future training sessions and other initiatives are regularly shared. The agency also encourages students, educators, and community members to stay informed and proactive about cybersecurity, the release added.
