Following the launch of the Be Internet Awesome programme in Ghana, JA Ghana began implementation by training 205 teachers in digital safety education in the New Juaben North District of the Eastern Region.
Delivered in partnership with the District Education Office, this milestone training marks a significant step in strengthening digital citizenship education within Ghana’s basic school system.
Strengthening Digital Citizenship in the Eastern Region
The Teachers’ Training on Digital Safety in Ghana brought together over 200 teachers from 33 schools across the New Juaben North District.
The sessions were held in Effiduase and delivered in four structured groups to ensure meaningful engagement and interactive participation. The training received strong institutional backing, including the presence of the District Director and eleven district officers who provided on-site coordination and oversight throughout the programme.
Facilitated by a joint JA Ghana and JA Africa team, the training followed the official Training of Trainers framework for the Be Internet Awesome programme.
Teachers began with a pre-training survey and safeguarding discussion, reinforcing their duty of care and the importance of ethical data practices when working with children.
Addressing Real Online Risks Facing Young Learners
The sessions explored practical and emerging online risks affecting children in Ghana, including:
- Cyberbullying
- Phishing attempts
- Oversharing of personal information
- Weak password practices
Teachers reflected on real classroom experiences and discussed practical strategies aligned with the five pillars of the Be Internet Awesome programme. They also examined how to integrate digital safety principles into ICT and Life Skills lessons.
The highly participatory format encouraged teachers to share local challenges, ask questions, and collaboratively identify context-specific solutions. Participants received branded materials to support classroom visibility and implementation.
Classroom rollout activities are scheduled to begin in March, with JA Ghana providing ongoing coordination, monitoring, and support.
The strong engagement from district leadership positions New Juaben North as a potential model for replication across other regions in Ghana.
Marking Safer Internet Day 2026 with Direct Student Engagement
As part of its broader digital safety strategy, JA Ghana also marked Safer Internet Day 2026 earlier in the month through advocacy and direct engagement with schools.
A live session was conducted at Nii Kojo Ababio Basic School, with 55 students and one teacher participating in interactive discussions focused on the five pillars of online safety.
Students were encouraged to reflect on their digital habits and make personal commitments. Some pledged to create stronger passwords. Others committed to thinking more carefully before sharing personal information online.
These responses demonstrate the immediate impact of structured digital citizenship education. When children are provided with clear guidance and relatable examples, they respond with awareness and responsibility.
Expanding Online Safety Awareness Beyond the Classroom
In addition to in-school engagement, JA Ghana implemented a five-day thematic social media campaign highlighting each of the five Be Internet Awesome pillars.
The campaign had engaged 3,403 people and reached many more across multiple platforms, reinforcing key online safety messages for children, parents, and educators.
JA Ghana’s approach to Safer Internet Day demonstrates that online safety education must extend beyond a single commemorative date. It should be embedded within everyday teaching and learning practices.
Building a Safer Digital Future for Ghana
As digital access continues to expand across Ghana, teachers’ training on digital safety remains essential. With support from Google.org, JA Ghana is equipping educators with the right tools and empowering students with responsible digital values, helping to build a safer and more informed online generation.
Through the Be Internet Awesome programme, JA Ghana reaffirms its commitment to expanding digital citizenship education to more districts, schools, and communities nationwide.