JA (Junior Achievement) Africa and ZanaAfrica, with support from Google.org, are expanding access to digital literacy and online safety education for children, educators, and parents across Kenya.
Through this initiative, JA Africa and ZanaAfrica will implement Google’s Be Internet Awesome (BIA) curriculum, equipping 20,500 children aged 7–15, 1,500 teachers, and 6,000 parents and caregivers in Kenya with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly by 2027.
As internet access continues to expand across sub-Saharan Africa, more children are coming online for the first time, often without the guidance needed to use it safely. In Kenya, a significant proportion of children aged 6–12 are already using the internet, yet many lack basic awareness of online safety. This gap exposes them to risks such as cyberbullying, harassment, and exploitation, challenges that are increasingly common across the region.
“As digital connectivity becomes central to everyday life in Africa, our children must be equipped not only to participate, but to be protected,” said Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa. “With support from Google.org, we are helping young people turn access into opportunity, building a generation of informed, responsible, and confident digital citizens.”
Developed by Google, Be Internet Awesome introduces the fundamentals of digital safety through interactive lessons and Interland, a gamified platform that helps children build practical skills around privacy, cyberbullying, and media literacy in an engaging way.
“At Google.org, we believe every child should be able to explore the internet with confidence and care,” said Alessia Scarpellini, Senior Program Manager, Child and Youth Safety and Digital Wellbeing, Stronger Communities, Google.org EMEA. “By supporting JA Africa’s community-based approach, we are helping educators, caregivers, and young people build the skills they need to navigate the online world safely.”
The program will be delivered through school-based workshops, teacher training, and community outreach, ensuring access for both urban and underserved communities. It aligns with national priorities on child protection and ICT in education, including Kenya’s Industry Guidelines for Child Online Protection.
Key program targets by 2027 include:
20,500 children reached with digital safety and responsible online behavior skills
1,500 teachers trained to deliver the BIA curriculum in classrooms
6,000 parents and caregivers engaged through workshops and learning sessions
More than 28,000 people reached directly and indirectly
The initiative will also be supported by awareness campaigns, digital storytelling, and key moments such as Safer Internet Day, extending its reach to millions more across Africa. JA Africa, ZanaAfrica, with support from Google.org, will work closely with Ministries of Education, ICT, and Communications to support long-term integration of digital safety into school systems and teacher training frameworks.
