Nepal is in the midst of a digital transformation. Smartphones, social media, online learning platforms and messaging services are becoming an integral part of everyday life — especially for children and young people. At the same time, digital risks are increasing: cyberbullying, online fraud, phishing, identity theft and the unsafe handling of personal data are becoming more common.
What is often missing is solid knowledge about how to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly. Young people are particularly vulnerable, as cybersecurity and digital safety are still rarely embedded systematically into everyday school education.
A Key Focus of Our Work in 2025
For this very reason, cybersecurity and digital safety were one of the core focus areas of our work in 2025. Together with our local partner Voice of Children Nepal, we supported the implementation of a program designed to raise awareness, build practical knowledge and specifically empower students.
From Idea to Action: A School Visit with Impact
As part of our cybersecurity awareness work, we had the opportunity to visit a partner school, thanks to and together with Voice of Children Nepal, and experience the program first-hand.
Birgit was personally invited by the school principal and warmly welcomed. As a sign of appreciation, he presented her with a small welcome gift — a moment that reflected the openness of the school and the shared sense of responsibility for education and child protection.
However, the visit went far beyond a formal exchange. Birgit actively participated in a classroom session to observe how the cybersecurity lessons are conducted in practice. She joined the class, sitting among the students.
“It was incredible — simply sitting in the classroom like all the other children, listening, engaging and feeling how relevant these topics are to their everyday lives.”
What We Saw in the Classroom
The classrooms were full, and the atmosphere was attentive and lively. Students sat closely together on wooden benches, notebooks open, fully engaged. What impressed us most was the active role students themselves took on: peer educator stood at the front of the class, explained content, asked questions and facilitated discussions.
On the walls were posters highlighting values such as honesty, responsibility and respect — principles that are just as important online as they are offline. The sessions covered topics including:
- identifying fraudulent messages and online scams
- protecting personal data and creating secure passwords
- respectful behavior online and the consequences of cyberbullying
- where to seek help when online situations feel unsafe
Students actively participated, asked questions and shared personal experiences. One thing became clear: knowledge builds confidence — and confidence provides protection.
What We Heard
In the accompanying video recordings, the energy of the classroom is clearly audible. You can hear discussions, questions, student presentations and supportive input from teachers. Learning here does not take place through one-way instruction, but through dialogue — on equal footing.
This is exactly the goal of the program: not only to inform children and young people, but to empower them to take responsibility and pass on their knowledge.
Why This Work Is So Important
Digital safety is not a marginal issue. It is a prerequisite for education, participation and the protection of children. In a country like Nepal, where digital usage is increasing rapidly, cybersecurity awareness is a crucial building block for a safe and inclusive future.
For this reason, the program deliberately focuses on sustainability:
- through the development of appropriate learning materials
- through regular awareness sessions in schools
- through the training and empowerment of students as peer educators and multipliers
This approach creates impact that goes far beyond individual workshops and becomes embedded long term within schools and communities.
How You Can Support This Work
Our projects — whether in education, child protection or empowerment — depend on long-term support and strong partnerships. Every form of support helps us continue our work, set new priorities and respond to the needs of the communities we work with.
👉 Support our work through a donation or by getting involved.
Together, we can help open up opportunities, provide protection and create sustainable change for children and young people.