Impact Amplifier, in collaboration with Google.org's financial backing, proudly announced the launch of the African Online Safety Platform (AOSP)

By -
Impact Amplifier, in collaboration with Google.org's financial backing, proudly announced the launch of the African Online Safety Platform (AOSP) .* 

Nairobi,  February 7, 2024. 


By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & Patrick KIMANZI 
County Diary News 

To mark the Annual Safer Internet Day (Tuesday, 6 Feb 2024), Impact Amplifier launched the Africa Online Safety Platform with support by Google.org.  Panelists, who are also beneficiaries of Africa Online Safety Fund, took part. From (L-R) Craig Rosewarne, Managing Director, Wolfpack Information Risk, Dr Camaren Peter, Executive Head, Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change, Martha Sunda, Executive Director, Childline Kenya, Dennis Ratemo, Kenya Country Programme Manager, Terre des Hommes Netherlands, and panel moderator, Tanner Methvin, Director, Impact Amplifier.


This groundbreaking initiative aims to tackle various challenges within the African internet safety landscape. AOSP is envisioned as a comprehensive solution, transcending the limitations currently impeding online safety efforts across the continent.

A critical issue hindering progress is the absence of a centralized repository for the wealth of online safety research conducted in Africa. AOSP aims to bridge this gap by providing a rich repository of research, education content, funding opportunities, and avenues for seeking help after an online crime. This multifaceted approach reflects Impact Amplifier's commitment to addressing online safety at a systemic level.

The platform addresses the complexity of online safety challenges specific to different parts of Africa. It offers guidance on keeping everyone, especially young people, safe online, integrating formal online safety education in schools and homes, and highlighting funding opportunities for safety innovators. Additionally, AOSP serves as a vital resource for seeking assistance in the aftermath of online crimes or violations.

Dr Alistair Mokoena, Google SA Country Director, (pictured centre) at the launch of the Africa Online Safety Platform with support by Google.com in Johannesburg on 6 Feb 2024, which marked Safer Internet Day (Tuesday, 6 Feb 2024).  Panelists from Kenya were (from left) Martha Sunda  Executive Director, Childline Kenya and Dennis Ratemo, Country Programme Manager Kenya, Terres des Hommes Netherlands participated in the event.

A key component of the launch event was a panel discussion featuring Impact Amplifier's grantees, representing online safety innovators from South Africa and Kenya. The panelists, including Craig Rosewarne and Camaren Peter from South Africa, and Dennis Ratemo and Martha Sunda from Kenya, emphasized the importance of tailored solutions suited to local contexts in Africa.

Google SA Country Director, Dr. Alistair Mokoena, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the online safety ecosystem in Africa. He encouraged stakeholders to utilize the platform as a valuable resource for education and research and to apply for the available funding opportunities.

Tanner Methvin, Director of Impact Amplifier, highlighted the significance of prioritizing online safety concerns in a continent where over 570 million people have internet access. The platform, according to Methvin, offers innovative approaches to address a spectrum of safety issues, from combating misinformation and cybercrime to supporting journalists facing online harassment. The launch of AOSP version 2.0 signifies a sustained commitment to safeguard vulnerable populations from online harms and ensure the continent reaps the benefits of the internet.

In conclusion, the African Online Safety Platform emerges as a pivotal initiative, fostering collaboration, research, education, and funding to fortify Africa's online safety landscape. With a focus on local nuances and a commitment to sustained support, AOSP aims to create a safer digital environment for all.
Ends....

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hon NDILE Gives Keynote Speech At UN General Assembly Summit In New York

By -
Image
Hon NDILE Gives Keynote Speech At UN General Assembly Summit In New York  By PATRICK KIMANZI & MAXIMILLA WAFULA HON NDILE yesterday attended the UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUMMIT IN NEWYORK and gave a keynote address during THE FUTURE ACTION DAY summit, media reports said today. " I am currently attending the FUTURE ACTION DAY summit in New York and I have just given the keynote address on why the youth must stand up for their rights and start taking up leadership across the world. I THEREFORE ADVISE YOUTH ACROSS THE WORLD & ESPECIALLY IN KENYA THAT IT IS TIME TO TAKE UP LEADERSHIP AS THE LEADERSHIP WILL NOT BE HANDED OVER TO THEM BUT THEY MUST BEGIN BY TAKING UP LEADERSHIP ROLES. MAMA BADILISHA RELOADED AKA MAMA KITUI COUNTY 2027 HAS ALREADY DECLARED HER INTEREST TO RUN FOR KITUI WOMEN REPRESENTATIVE 2027. Bloggers and political pundits in Kitui observe that Mama Ndile, a development icon and a go-getter who gunned for the Woman Rep seat in th...
Read more

KENYA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE INDUSTRIAL MAPPING AND GEO-LOCATION EXERCISE TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

By -
Image
KENYA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE INDUSTRIAL MAPPING AND GEO-LOCATION EXERCISE TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL GROWTH A section of data researchers at the launch of the nationwide industrial mapping and geo-location exercise in Nairobi County, an initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive industrial database to support evidence-based planning and policy-making. By MAXIMILLA WAFULA, The County Diary News Reporter Nairobi, May 12th  2025-The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), in collaboration with the State Department for Industry and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), officially launched a vital initiative aimed at mapping and geo-locating industries in Nairobi County. This exercise, which commenced today, is part of a larger effort to create a comprehensive national database and directory of industries. It is a key step toward advancing Kenya's industrialization agenda and supporting sustainable economic growth. Isaac Degwa, Senior Manager at KNBS spoke on behalf of the Principal S...
Read more

Mbusyani Exceptional Band Bags More Support From Politician Nzalu Kiluvutu

By -
Image
Mbusyani Exceptional Band Bags More Support From Politician Nzalu Kiluvutu By PATRICK KIMANZI & MAXIMILLA WAFULA  Kitui Central philanthropic politician Hon Nzalu Kiluvutu is calling on the County Governments to nurture talents of performing artistes Issuing the clarion call to devolved governments to "not only scout but nurture, grow and market" performing arts, the politician also called for creation of a special taskforce on the same. He was speaking after handing his token of appreciation to Mbusyani Exceptional Band, a popular Kamba benga music band led by Felix Kilonzi David alias SAVUNI MWEENE. Savuni (band leader) hails from Kitui County, Kitui Central Constituency, Mbusyani Sub location in Kyangwithya West Ward. The band was founded in 2019. During this time the band leader accompanied by other seven guys from different villages within Tungutu location could entertain villagers on weekends using improvised box guitars and drums. By 2021 Sa...
Read more