Protecting Tanzanians from Online Scammers and Criminals
Famous for spectacular parks and wildlife, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most populous nations with 58 million people – more than half of whom are under the age of 25. Internet use is exploding here, but unlike in the U.S, Tanzanian teens get no training about the growing dangers of the digital world.
In March 2021, ACCO launched an educational campaign in Tanzania designed to respond to an emerging threat: the rampant spread of illicit activity on social media platforms. In our first workshop, we expected to train 50-75 teenagers about the rise of human traffickers, scammers and wildlife criminals operating on the world’s most popular social media sites. More than 350 students joined the event.
In the post-workshop survey, 80% of the students said they felt better equipped to recognize potential threats online. Additionally, many female students said they had been approached online by strangers supposedly offering modeling jobs in the United Arab Emirates. After attending the training, the girls said they realized these offers likely came from scammers, and possibly even human traffickers.
The Tanzanian government has been so impressed by ACCO’s results that they have asked us to expand our program nationwide.
Our program takes a three-pronged approach to combating illicit activity online:
Assist policymakers and regulators to develop a national strategy to address online crime
Utilize interviews and participation in TV and radio programs to inform millions of Tanzanians about the huge problem of criminal activity.
Train around 90 educators and host educational events for middle and high school students using a unique educational approach that combines instruction with music and comedy.
YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP US KEEP MILLIONS OF TANZANIAN YOUTH SAFE FROM ONLINE PREDATORS.
Right now, for every dollar donated, it will be matched by a generous ACCO / CINTOC donor. So join us today, in making the Internet safer for people and animals alike!