A sensitization campaign was recently held at the Lycée technique de Matonge in Kinshasa, targeting students in their third and fourth year of secondary school. The event was part of the "Pacte citoyen pour le changement" program and was conducted by the Action pour le changement social et structurel (ACSS) organization. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of cyberbullying and online hate on social cohesion and peace.
Dieudonné Kambayi, coordinator of ACSS, emphasized that cyberbullying and online hate pose significant threats to social cohesion, peace, and community relationships. He noted that these phenomena can create a climate conducive to conflicts and that schools and students have a crucial role to play in promoting civic values. Kambayi also stressed the importance of individual and collective responsibility in combating cyberbullying and online hate.
The sensitization campaign, which took place over two days, included interactive sessions and discussions with the students. Kambayi encouraged the students to take an active role in preventing cyberbullying and online hate, highlighting that civic engagement is a vital aspect of this effort. He also emphasized that women are particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying and that addressing this issue is essential for promoting gender equality and social balance.
The event also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and share their perspectives on the issue. Hervé Mbuyi, cultural coordinator at the Lycée technique de Matonge, expressed gratitude to the ACSS team for organizing the sensitization campaign. He noted that the initiative is particularly relevant in the context of increasing digital usage in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The campaign is part of a larger project supported by the French Embassy in Kinshasa and Wallonie-Bruxelles International. Similar sensitization activities are planned for other schools in Kinshasa, including the Institut Lumumba de Limete. The goal is to educate students about the risks associated with cyberbullying and online hate and to promote a culture of civic responsibility and respect.
The program aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. By engaging with students and promoting civic values, the initiative hopes to contribute to a more harmonious and respectful online community. The organizers believe that this effort will have a positive impact on social cohesion and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The sensitization campaign is a timely and important initiative, given the growing concern about cyberbullying and online hate in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By working with schools and students, the ACSS organization aims to create a ripple effect and promote a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect both online and offline.
Key points
- Over 100 high school students in Kinshasa were sensitized against cyberbullying and online hate as part of a civic engagement program.
- The campaign was conducted by the Action pour le changement social et structurel (ACSS) organization with support from the French Embassy in Kinshasa and Wallonie-Bruxelles International.
- The program aims to empower students with knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
