Building Youth Resilience Against Cybercrime (BYRAC) - Cybersecurity Education Initiative

Project Overview

The Building Youth Resilience Against Cybercrime (BYRAC) project was initiated to address the increasing involvement of youths in cybercrimes in Lagos State, Nigeria. Cybercrimes have emerged as a menace that is voraciously eating deep into the fabric of the digital world. Many victims have lost their life savings, property, and even their lives because of these crimes. However, the perpetrators, oblivious and sometimes adamant about the consequences of their actions, continue to promote and recruit more youths into committing the crimes. This is especially prevalent in the slum areas of Lagos where the majority of the youths grow up in lack which pushes them to embrace any means of escaping poverty. It is because of this imbroglio that the BYRAC project sought to empower participants with the knowledge, tools, and support systems needed to resist the allure of cybercrime and pursue legitimate pathways to success.

The BYRAC project was conceived as a proactive intervention strategy to address the root causes of youth vulnerability to cybercrime. By targeting at-risk youths in Ajeromi Ifelodun, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Ikorodu local governments in Lagos, the project aimed to build resilience, foster digital literacy, and create a supportive environment for positive behavioural change. Through a combination of resilience-building sessions, digital skills training, movie screenings, and the establishment of a virtual safe space, the project sought to mitigate the risk factors associated with cybercrime involvement and promote positive behavioural change.

The implementation of the BYRAC project yielded several notable outcomes, including:
- The project was effectively executed and accomplished within the established timeframe. All scheduled activities were conducted according to plan, meeting the anticipated deadlines, albeit with some challenges encountered along the way. The punctual conclusion of the project can be credited to the proficient planning and coordination efforts of the project team. They demonstrated commendable diligence, ensuring the project’s smooth execution and minimizing significant delays or obstacles.
- Participants gained a deeper understanding of the risks and consequences associated with cybercrime and SOC involvement. The resilience-building sessions and safe space discussions provided opportunities for participants to engage with relevant issues, share perspectives, and reflect on their own experiences.
- Participants developed essential digital skills and knowledge, enabling them to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Hands-on training sessions equipped participants with practical skills for using digital tools and platforms for communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
- Participants demonstrated increased confidence, self-esteem, and problem-solving abilities as a result of their participation in the soft skills sessions. Many of the participants can now confidently stand before an audience and present their ideas boldly.
- The creation of a virtual safe space fostered ongoing engagement, mentorship, and peer support among participants. The platform served as a valuable resource for accessing

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Cybersecurity Education Initiative (CYSED) is a youth-led non-profit organization committed to preventing cybercrime and advancing cybersecurity in Africa through innovative and sustainable education and advocacy.

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15 Ahmadu A. Ali Street, Utako, FCT Abuja, Nigeria.

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