Meta, formerly known as the Facebook company, is continuing its partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion and ICT Agency of Sri Lanka to empower the country’s youth with digital skills. After completing the training of 50,000 students and youth, the partners now aim to upskill 32,000 additional students by the end of 2023.

The new phase of the digital upskilling program was announced on October 5th, at an event in Gampaha. This initiative is a part of Meta’s flagship program We Think Digital that helps people develop skills to create a safe and positive online culture. It was launched in Sri Lanka in 2020 in partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion’s ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative, which is supported by the Ministry of Education and the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka.

Geraldine Lim, Meta’s Policy Programs Manager for APAC, who spoke at the launching ceremony said, “The youth are the future of Sri Lanka and it’s important that they think critically and share thoughtfully online. We are grateful for the continued partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion to build a better-informed online community who are aware of their digital footprint and the impact it can make.”

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics 2020, secondary school teacher-pupil ratio in Sri Lanka stands at 18. With this reach, Meta and Sarvodaya-Fusion expect to create an end goal of 1,000 teachers educating 18,000 students. They will also reach out to 12,000 school students and 2,000 university students directly. A mini educational series will be launched to connect with additional students through online learning modules.

In his keynote speech, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Shramadana Sangamaya said, “We are happy to continue our work with Meta to help Sri Lankan youth navigate the digital world. Today, we are all digital natives, and we need to do our part to make sure people have a positive experience online, especially young people who use the platform to communicate, enjoy new experiences, educate themselves and explore the many avenues that are available with the technological advancements taking place every day.”

The training will focus on the basics of the internet, online safety and security, rights and responsibilities, and how to develop critical thinking and empathy when communicating online.