Virtually Safe Initiative has designed and run the Young African Internet Safety (YAIS) Fellowship and Awards programs in Partnership with Impact Amplifier (South Africa) and Google. The YAIS fellowship is a one year program for young people ages 13-18years that trains them to be able to understand and respond to digital security challenges they face while using the internet and be able to support other young people. Through a combination of self-study, mentorship, resources, tools, peer sharing, technical training, community and stipends for project activities, these cohorts of young people will join forces to take on the most pressing digital challenges that young people face as they use the internet
YAIS fellows are ideators and innovators willing to go beyond their personal internet safety to contributing to a safer, more open and inclusive internet, the training received during the fellowship year puts the students on track to solve tomorrow’s internet challenges.
During their tenure, young fellows work with both Virtually Safe expert team and partners, and regularly engage with cyber security experts for hands-on trainings on cyber security, the YAIS fellows will complete their program fully equipped with the tools, resources and skills to dispense appropriate advice and support for other young people facing internet challenges, moreso, the YAIS fellows are equipped to enter one of the fastest growing sectors with the skills, network and know-how to get into the cyber security space.
Benefits:
YAIS Fellows become part of Virtually Safe community ad gain access to our resources and diverse network. Supports include:
Impact Design:
Working in partnership with the Virtually Safe team and mentors YAIS fellows will each carry out an online safety activity in their community- through the trainings they’d learn how to create a project plan and outline a theory of change and accompanying impact metrics.
Individual and Peer Support:
YAIS fellows have the opportunity to receive mentorship and guidance from Staff and fellows at YAIS, with expertise ranging from Online Safety, Cyber Security, Technology Development, and Soft skills.
Community:
Connections with like-minded leaders, opportunities for collaboration with Virtually Safe Initiative and other connections to support their projects.
Showcasing Work:
Virtually Safe Initiative organizes an annual event called Cyber Space Conference which brings together young people, innovators, established tech icons, thinkers and builders working around tech industry who are also working towards a safer internet. This conference provides a place and an opportunity to convene, facilitate or curate in a way that helps fellows raise the issues that are most pressing for them and their communities, fellows work and projects are also showcased during the conference.
Why Become A YAIS Fellow
YAIS fellows are passionate young people, carefully selected and invited to use the fellowship as a platform to promote a safer internet space. YAIS fellows have the opportunity to learn and contribute to a variety of issues and approaches to ensure the internet remains a force for good. YAIS fellows will:
Become part of a global community.
Design impactful projects with the potential to reach other young people
Learn from and collaborate with Virtually Safe and partners
Eligibility:
Must be a young person ages 13 -18 years
Must have a good communication skill (writing/speaking)
Deadline : 31st, May 2024
