Background and Rationale
The digital age has opened vast opportunities for communication, commerce, education, and development across the world.
Yet, it has also exposed individuals, families, communities, and institutions to a new wave of threatsâranging from data theft and digital fraud to misinformation, cyberbullying, surveillance, and organized cybercrime.
There is an urgent need for a global public-focused platform that informs, educates, and empowers ordinary people to engage safely, wisely, and ethically in the digital age.
To address this critical gap, the Foresight Institute of Research and Translation (FIRAT) proposes a comprehensive, action-oriented public programme designed to build a culture of awareness, resilience, and proactive protection in digital engagement.
Program Structure
A two-phase program designed to build a culture of awareness, resilience, and proactive protection.
The Digital Watchtower Program
To establish a foundational understanding of cyberspace and empower communities to recognize and respond to everyday digital threats.
Objectives:
- Educate the public on the nature and functioning of cyberspace.
- Raise awareness about cyber risks and threats with real-world examples.
- Promote basic digital hygiene and protective behaviors.
- Foster a sense of digital ethics and collective responsibility.
- Provide an inclusive platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and community learning.
Activities:
- Interactive monthly events with demonstrations and practical sessions.
- Expert talks by cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders.
- Community sharing sessions: experiences and insights exchange.
- Hands-on âCyber Hygieneâ practice modules (passwords, 2FA, browser safety, etc.).
- Educational sessions tailored for youth and students.
- âSpot-the-Scamâ campaigns to train pattern recognition of cyber threats.
- Multimedia content delivery across various platforms.
Meet Our Faculty
Learn from leading experts in cybersecurity education and research.
Dr. Maryam Ahmed, PhD
Cybersecurity Educator | Researcher | Mentor | Advocate for Digital Safety and Inclusion
Dr. Maryam Ahmed is a highly respected educator, researcher, and cybersecurity advocate with a global footprint in teaching, research, and mentorship. With over a decade of experience spanning Africa, the Middle East, and North America, she is committed to building safer digital environments and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
She holds a PhD in Information Technology from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, and an MSc in Management of IT from the University of Nottingham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Derived from our audience research.
It's a comprehensive 6-month cybersecurity education program offered by FIRAT. The program focuses on building foundational digital awareness and protection skills. It's designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background.
Registration is simple and completely free! Just visit firat.rw/opsec to sign up. There are no prerequisites or technical requirements - we welcome anyone interested in improving their digital safety and security awareness.
Our program is community-focused and empathy-driven. Instead of technical jargon, we use real-world scenarios and practical examples. It's designed for ordinary people, not IT professionals, and builds from basic awareness to advanced operational security thinking.
While we don't offer formal certifications, participants receive completion certificates and access to our ongoing community network. The real value is the practical skills and awareness you'll gain to protect yourself and your community.
Each monthly session is 2-3 hours, with optional practice materials and community discussions. The program is designed to be flexible around your schedule - you can participate as much or as little as your time allows.
Absolutely! Our program is designed to be welcoming to newcomers at any point. We provide catch-up materials and pair new participants with program veterans to help you get up to speed quickly.
We offer multiple support channels including monthly Q&A sessions, peer mentoring, online forums, and direct access to our education team. You're never alone in your learning journey with FIRAT.
Our program addresses the anxiety many parents feel. We offer youth-focused sessions and practical toolkits for families, helping you create a safe digital environment and teaching your children resilient and ethical online behavior. You donât have to do it alone.
We will teach you to foster a sense of digital ethics and provide a platform for open dialogue. The program equips you with the knowledge to recognize and respond to these threats, so you can guide your family and address issues proactively.
We offer institutional partnerships that include educator training, curriculum integration support, and ongoing consultation. Schools can adopt our modules as part of their digital citizenship education or life skills programs.
We provide comprehensive educator training including monthly workshops, teaching resources, and peer mentoring networks. No prior cybersecurity expertise is required - we'll give you all the tools you need.
Yes! Our curriculum aligns with digital literacy and citizenship standards. We provide mapping documents that show how our content supports existing educational frameworks and learning objectives.
Absolutely! We offer flexible, modular content that can be adapted for elementary through high school. Materials are available for cross-curricular integration in social studies, language arts, science, and technology education.
Educators receive ongoing support including monthly check-ins, access to our educator community forum, and direct consultation with FIRAT education specialists when needed.
We provide age-appropriate protocols and resources for addressing sensitive topics. Educators receive training on trauma-informed approaches and clear guidelines for when to involve counselors or administration.
Yes! Our program includes student ambassador opportunities where older students can mentor younger ones. We also offer peer education training that develops leadership skills while spreading digital safety awareness.
Our "Spot-the-Scam" campaigns and sessions on "Information Warfare" will help you develop the critical thinking skills to identify threats and misinformation. Weâll show you how to distinguish between genuine content and algorithmic manipulation.
This is a valid concern. Our hands-on "Cyber Hygiene" practice modules will teach you simple, powerful steps to secure your accounts, from using strong passwords and 2FA to managing your digital footprint and protecting your identity. You will learn how to take control of your digital presence.
Ready to build a safer digital future?
Join us and become a proactive guardian of your digital life.
Join Us