Safe Clicks Digital Safety Campaign
Promoting safer online experiences for adolescents and young people.
SAFE CLICKS DIGITAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Safe Clicks is a digital literacy campaign implemented by Jenga AfriHub, in partnership with TrustLab and funded by the European Union. The campaign primarily targets youth and other at-risk populations in Teso North, aiming to protect them from digital threats such as scams, misinformation, and online exploitation while also promoting safe and productive use of digital platforms.
In an age of increasing digital access and economic uncertainty, young people are especially vulnerable to online fraud from fake job offers to phishing and financial scams. From unsolicited messages to suspicious links and social media fraud, digital exploitation has become an everyday threat. Launched in April 2024, the campaign has conducted community barazas, stakeholder forums, and interactive masterclasses in technical and vocational training institutions. Participants gain practical skills to identify, respond to, and prevent online threats, empowering them to make informed decisions in the digital space.
Through real-life case studies, presentations, and peer learning, participants explore essential topics including digital ethics, data privacy, information verification, cyber hygiene, and safe digital banking.
To enhance awareness of secure financial practices, the campaign has partnered with financial institutions such as Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), given the rise in mobile money fraud.
By leveraging local partnerships, WhatsApp-based discussions, and trained Digital Champions from within learning institutions, Safe Clicks aims to broaden its reach and ensure sustained community engagement beyond the classroom. Nearly 500 young people have already taken part including at the largest chiefʼs baraza held in the region in over two years.
A cornerstone of the campaignʼs strategy is the Digital Champions model. Selected from each participating institution, these champions undergo virtual training sessions to become peer educators, driving behavior change and promoting safe digital practices within their schools and communities. This peer-led approach ensures the campaignʼs lessons are not only shared, but embedded locally for lasting impact. Safe Clicks is a timely and necessary intervention, highlighting the very real risks that exist online and the power of community awareness as the first line of defense. The campaign has revealed deeply personal stories of young people defrauded via mobile platforms and social media, a stark reminder of the urgency for ongoing digital literacy efforts, especially for youth navigating new opportunities in the digital and AI age.
“We are encouraged by the positive reception from participating communities since the launch of the project. The campaign message has resonated strongly with youth and older adults alike, as well as local leaders, who have embraced it as a timely to tackle the growing risks of unsafe online behavior.”