1st September 2024, Kathmandu
The Surf Smart Advocacy Project, under the initiative of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in partnership with Norton, aims to empower young people, particularly girls and young women, to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Surf Smart Empowers Nepalese Youth
This innovative non-formal education curriculum provides participants with essential skills to protect themselves online, make informed decisions, and use the internet positively for communication, learning, and advocacy. The advocacy project further amplifies the impact of Surf Smart 2.0 by providing resources and support for initiatives that promote online safety and digital literacy.
Surf Smart Advocacy Champions in Nepal: Expanding Horizons
In Nepal, the Surf Smart Advocacy Champions have been actively running various programs and workshops across different provinces, including Bagmati, Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali. Among the three ongoing projects, OSIP (Our Solution for Information Pollution) stands out as a significant initiative. The OSIP team, comprising Surf Smart Advocacy Champions Pratika Silwal from Bagmati Province, Aditi Niroula from Koshi Province, and Himali Pandey from Karnali Province, has been at the forefront of tackling information pollution through education and advocacy.
August 31, 2024 – The OSIP team successfully organized a one-day panel discussion titled “Our Solution for Information Pollution: Highlighting Misinformation, Disinformation, and Misinformation” at the Scouts National Headquarters Hall in Lainchour, Kathmandu. This event was led by Pratika Silwal and her team, with 50 participants attending in person.
Panel Discussion Highlights
The panel discussion on August 31, 2024, was a fruitful gathering that brought together experts and stakeholders to address the critical issue of information pollution.
The event commenced with the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Mr. Shivram Aryal, National Secretary of Nepal Scouts, followed by distinguished guests such as Gyani Maharjan Ma’am (Chief Commissioner of Kathmandu Metro Scouts), Ms. Dikchya Raut (WAGGGS Advocacy Lead), Ms. Saru Gossai (Program Coordinators at Nepal Scouts), Ms. Ashmita Shrestha (National Council Member, Nepal Scouts), Mr. Popindra Man Singh (Bagmati Province Representative), Crew leaders and fellow Rovers and Rangers from Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur also participated, making the event a grand success.
The program featured prominent panelists, including:
– Prerana Shakya Ma’am (Global Program Manager, WAGGGS)
– DSP Janardan Ghimire (Cyber Bureau, Nepal Police)
– Rajib Khatri (Journalist and Nepal Scouts Leader )
– Chiranjibi Adhikari (Cyber Security Expert)
The panel discussion delved into the identification, causes, and impacts of misinformation, disinformation, and misinformation. The panelists discussed various educational approaches, technological solutions, and policy measures needed to mitigate these challenges. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A session and closing remarks, summarizing the key points and calling for action.
Conclusion
The OSIP project has made significant strides in addressing information pollution and promoting digital literacy among youth in Nepal. With continued efforts, the Surf Smart Advocacy Champions aim to foster a safer and more responsible digital environment, empowering the next generation to navigate the complexities of the online world. The outcomes and recommendations from these events will be shared with concerned stakeholders, further strengthening the Surf Smart program’s integration into scouting activities across Nepal.
Surf Smart Empowers Nepalese Youth