Accra, Ghana, July 10, 2019//- Digital literacy is the set of competencies required for all persons regardless of age and social status to be able to participate in the 21st Century knowledge society.

It also includes attitudes and ethics regarding the use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs to interact with the larger society.

7 in 10 children use smartphone to access the Internet in Ghana and 42.7% of youth access news online but most of them are functional digital illiterate, according to UNICEF & DW-AKADEMIE.

Because of this, if care is not taken, it will be difficult for the country to attain the Sustainable Development Goals 4 on Quality Education and 5 on Gender Equality.

As part of our drive for a digitally responsible and ethical online society that is anchored on a grand vision of ensuring child safety and wellbeing, Child Online Africa (formerly J Initiative) is introducing the first ever Digital Literacy Week 2019 (#DLW2019) Celebration in Ghana.

The aim is to create platforms in schools, churches and mosques, among other public spaces, to enhance literacy levels to help users navigate the digital world better. To this end, from 14 to 21 July, we invite schools, churches and mosques to sign up to host #DLW2019 sessions at their respective locations.

Child Online Africa sees this latest initiative as a timely response to government’s Digital Time mantra, as expressed in a statement by H. E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana that information technology is central to the government’s plans to transform the national economy.

Child Online Africa commends government for taking this stance toward digital revolution which we believe should appropriately start with a focus on the digital literacy of the people.

This way, the Digital Time campaign will produce digital citizens with added dividends of promoting responsible digital citizenship in Ghana and Africa as a whole.

To take part in #DLW2019, interested schools, churches and mosques should kindly send a WhatsApp message to +233 24 230 5656 stating the institution’s name, region and details of a  person.

Instructively, Child Online Africa is a child-focused research and advocacy NGO that campaigns for/with children and young people and their families to influence policies and change practices that affect child safety and wellbeing in Ghana and Africa. Child Online Africa is the organizer of Safer Internet Day in Ghana and Africa.

African Eye Report