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The #SaferTogether Phase II Program Launch  by TikTok in partnership with Evemient Communication Solutions Limited took place on the 24th October 2023 at Woodcreek School in Nairobi – Kenya. The program is aimed at enhancing trust and online safety as well as  digital well-being for youth.  In addition to this, it will seek to raise awareness and build capacities for educators, parents and guardians.

Head of Public Policy Programs at TikTok – Zara Higgs

Zara Basharat Higgs, the Head of Public Policy Programs for South Asia and Sub-saharan Africa leads the program’s portfolio focusing on building strategic partnerships with the goal of addressing some of the most critical and pressing issues in our regions by leveraging the scale and impact of technology. She works closely on building alliances with the government, across academia and the non-profit sector. In her remarks she emphasised on the importance of creating awareness and building capacity on online safety, noting the responsibilities we all have on self regulation and supporting young users’ online experiences.

CEO Eveminet Communication and TikTok Safety Partner – Evelyn Kasina

Evelyn Kasina a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur, recognised as the First Family IT Consultant in Kenya and the region is the visionary founder of Eveminet Communication Solutions Limited, an IT firm that is dedicated to enhancing Trust and Safety for children and their ecosystem, and a TikTok safety partner in Sub Saharan Africa.

In her remarks at the #SaferTogether event, Ms. Kasina thanked parents, guardians, and educators for their commitment to creating safe and supportive online environments for youth and young users. She also expressed her appreciation for the support that government regulators have given the industry in this important endeavour.

Ms. Kasina noted that collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to ensuring the safety of children online. She called for continued dialogue and cooperation between parents, educators, technology companies, and government agencies. Eveminet is a leading provider of online safety and digital wellbeing training and resources in Kenya. The company offers a variety of services, including:

• Child Online Protection (COP) Training
• Digital Parenting “Jitume” Parent’s Unplugged.
• Online safety and digital wellbeing workshops for schools and community organisations

Eveminet also works with technology companies to develop and implement online safety features. The company is a TikTok safety partner and has worked with the platform to develop a number of safety initiatives.

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Ag. CEO – Kenya Film Classification Board – Mr. Joel Wamalwa

Mr. Joel Wamalwa, the Acting CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) – the State agency mandated to regulate Film and Broadcast Content in Kenya was the event’s keynote speaker.

At the  #SaferTogether event hosted by Woodcreek School in Kenya, Mr. Joel Wamalwa delivered the keynote address. He expressed gratitude to Evemient for its dedication to promoting online safety and digital well-being for young Kenyans and thanked Woodcreek School for availing its school facility for this crucial program launch.

Mr. Wamalwa commended TikTok’s unwavering commitment to fostering trust and safety for Kenya’s youth, while also prioritising their mental well-being. As a regulatory body, KFCB highlighted its ongoing efforts to safeguard children from harmful online content. He also  reiterated their commitment to supporting the #SaferTogether initiative, calling upon all stakeholders to play their part in protecting children from harmful content on the internet.

Mr. Wamalwa emphasised the importance of collaboration among all players within the digital ecosystem, including parents, educators, technology companies, and government agencies. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive online environment for Kenya’s youth.

Woodcreek School Director – Peter Karoki

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, safeguarding our children’s well-being has become paramount. As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing young minds, shaping their character, and preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world. Recently, Woodcreek School had the distinct honour of hosting an event dedicated to promoting online safety for children, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents, educators, and representatives from government and industry.

This event served as a powerful testament to the collective commitment we share in ensuring the well-being of our children. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for open dialogue and collaboration has never been more crucial. Woodcreek School, as an integral part of the international community, is proud to play a role in fostering a safe and responsible digital environment for all children.

The event’s success highlights the importance of engaging in open and honest conversations about online safety. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we were able to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This collaborative approach allows us to identify effective strategies and develop comprehensive solutions that empower children to navigate the digital world with confidence and resilience.

At Woodcreek School, we believe that education is not merely about imparting knowledge; it is about shaping responsible and compassionate global citizens. We instill in our students the values of respect, integrity, and empathy, preparing them to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society. As we navigate the ever-changing digital landscape, these values serve as a guiding light, ensuring that our children are equipped to thrive in a world of endless possibilities.

We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to host this event and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on online safety. Woodcreek School remains dedicated to providing a holistic education that empowers our students to become responsible digital citizens, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 21st century.

With the launch of Phase Two of the #SaferTogether initiative in Kenya, TikTok reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe and responsible digital environment for Kenya’s youth.

In partnership with Evemient Communication Solutions Limited, we will continue to provide resources, education, and support to empower young Kenyans to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and resilience. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive digital world for all.

#SaferTogether #Kenya #DigitalSafety #EmpoweringYouth #Evemient