This project is a youth-driven intervention aimed at reducing the involvement of young people in cybercrime activities in Nigeria. This project will provide meaningful support to young people by addressing their vulnerabilities and helping them develop positive skills and capabilities. The project will implement various activities to raise awareness and build capacity for the dangers of cybercrime while promoting alternative pathways for young people. Focused on developing digital skills, the initiative seeks to divert participants from the risks of cybercrime by organising workshops & Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, training & internships, and job placement opportunities. This also seeks to address the medium to longer-term needs of alternative pathway beneficiaries to secure meaningful employment following their engagement with the programme detailing the need for a more sustained effort to enable them to access the legitimate workplace. We anticipate that employment opportunities may be in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. or even on a self-employed basis.
Cybercrime is a serious issue that negatively impacts socioeconomic, and political dynamics, and structures. Cybercrime as an empire would be the world’s third-largest economy, this will cost the world over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This is a global concern and the perpetrators are everywhere including Nigeria. The involvement of the youth is caused by many factors including poverty, and low level of education amongst others. It is essential to address this issue by reducing the number of people involved in cybercrime and preventing those with a high risk of getting involved, especially young people, who are more vulnerable to being lured into it. The Cyber Uplift intervention aims to tackle this problem by providing alternative pathways to these young people.
- To raise awareness of the potential consequences of illegal or unethical behaviours online
- To reduce the involvement of young people in cybercrime by providing alternative pathways to at-risk youth with comprehensive digital skills training.
- To facilitate meaningful internship opportunities for participants to apply their acquired skills in real-world settings.
- To achieve successful job placements for program graduates within local tech industries.
The primary beneficiaries of this project will be at-risk youth between the age of 20 – 35 in Lagos, Edo and Bayelsa State who are at risk of engaging in cybercrime. The project will also benefit the wider community by reducing the impact of cybercrime and promoting a safer digital environment.
– Cybercrime Sensitization
– Digital Skill Training
– Internshop & Job Placements
The YEmAC intervention has equipped young individuals with digital and soft skills through a two-week intensive training program. Now, they are being placed for internships at various companies. To support their professional development, we are seeking mentors to guide them in navigating professional environments and excel in their roles. Mentorship sessions will be conducted virtually.
