Facebook launches initiative to improve digital literacy in Sri Lanka
Reinforcing its commitment towards improving digital literacy in Sri Lanka, Facebook has announced the launch of a digital literacy programme.
The programme in partnership with Sarvodaya Fusion’s ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative in Sinhala and Tamil underscores Facebook’s mission of giving people the power to build communities. As part of the programme, 20,000 school and university students will be educated over a one-year period.
The programme will include students from across different community groups in Colombo, Jaffna, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Matara, Hambantota, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ratnapura. The interactive training sessions will include training on safe and responsible use of the internet and contains topics that teach online users on how to think critically online, and effectively identify credible information from questionable information.
It also includes empathy as a key value to express online with the aim of not just creating a safer and informed community but one that embraces perspectives and respects differences of opinion.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Facebook India, South and Central Asia Public Policy Director Ankhi Das said: “Our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. We believe that when we share information and connect, we achieve extraordinary things. In a young nation like Sri Lanka, with over five million Facebook users, what’s really needed is a raised awareness about the potential of the internet and the need to remain safe while being online. When this happens, we will see more meaningful and profound online experiences which will ultimately benefit the nation and its economy while strengthening its social fabric.”
Sarvodaya Fusion General Manager Maithree Malwattegoda added: “We are delighted with this collaboration with Facebook as it will go a long way in enhancing digital literacy in Sri Lanka. It is important that we make sure that we are putting the right intervention to address the responsible usage of internet. With our reach and experience in e-empowerment of communities at the grassroots and Facebook’s technology and online reach, we will work together towards maximising the potential of the internet for the benefit of young people in Sri Lanka.”
The programme will help participants increase awareness of best practices to stay safe online. The internet plays a very large role in the lives of the youth of Sri Lanka and this programme will go a long way in training the youth of Sri Lanka who are responsible, wellinformed and insightful citizens.