The Kédougou department experienced a mobilization around the protection of children online, from March 22 to 27, 2026.

Under the impetus of the Ministry of Family, Social Action and Solidarity, through the Child Protection Support Unit (CAPE), a vast awareness campaign was carried out in 10 (ten) schools in Kédougou, with the support of UNICEF through its Safe Online program .

Given the growing importance of digital technology in children's daily lives and the risks that accompany it, this campaign aimed to strengthen the knowledge and self-protection reflexes of students and communities.

Over two days of intensive educational activities in schools, 50 student leaders from each school were trained in ten colleges spread across Kédougou Commune, Tomboronkoto, Bandafassi, Ibel, and Ninefecha. These young ambassadors are tasked with relaying the messages to their peers, using a multiplier effect model estimated to reach nearly 5,000 students.

The activities began with a courtesy visit to the Prefect of Kédougou, President of the Departmental Committee for Child Protection (CDPE), and helped to consolidate coordination between CAPE, CDPE, educational authorities and gender units in schools.

The Prefect welcomed the initiative, stressing "the need for a collective commitment to digital challenges" and calling for increased parental and community vigilance.

In the same vein, the CAPE team was received by the Education and Training Inspectorate.   from Kédougou, who praised the relevance of the approach and facilitated access to the targeted establishments.

In the schools visited, the CAPE teams led dynamic sessions focused on:

1. The advantages of digital technology;
2. good practices for online browsing;
3. the dangers associated with violent or inappropriate content;
4. the prevention of cyberbullying and sexual exploitation;
5. reporting mechanisms such as Allo 116, boleko.sn , the services of the Commission for Personal Data (CDP) and the police.

The learning took place in a participatory atmosphere: questions and answers, role-playing, debates and free exchanges allowed students to share their experiences and concerns about digital technology.

An awareness caravan traveled through the main streets of Kédougou on March 26th.

accompanied by animations, broadcasts of messages in local languages and distribution of educational materials, which made it possible to reach a diverse audience (children, young people, parents, traders, community leaders and passers-by).

The Prefect welcomed the caravan and reiterated his call for caution and urged children " never to remain alone in the face of dangerous situations online ."

To ensure the sustainability of the awareness campaign, CAPE provided schools with kits containing flyers, posters, t-shirts, feedback sheets, and logistical tools. Student leaders committed to conducting outreach sessions in their classrooms, clubs, neighborhoods, and families.

A monitoring and evaluation system has been put in place in each establishment, which has one month to transmit feedback data in order to consolidate the impact of the operation.

At the end of this week of activities, the results are significant:

1. 50 student leaders trained;
2. 10 establishments supported;
3. Approximately 5,500 students were made aware through a multiplier effect;
4. Strong involvement from administrative, educational and community authorities.

This initiative in Kédougou represents an important step towards better protecting children in the digital space. It responds to the national commitment to preventing online risks, promoting responsible internet use, and providing children with tools for self-protection and reporting dangerous situations.