Digital Security Essentials: An Online Training for Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia and South Sudan

2025-09-04

ENGLISH

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Overview

As part of the Digitalise Youth project, part of the Digital Democracy Initiative, Code for Africa (CfA) is offering free online Guardian Training for individuals in civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on human rights and democracy. Information and digital security officers are especially encouraged to apply.
This training will help participants understand AI-enabled threats, assess their organisation’s risk profile, and implement effective detection and protection strategies. The course includes instructor-led webinars covering digital self-defence, secure communication practices, and encryption tools. Participants will gain practical skills to protect sensitive information, implement secure file-sharing practices, and enhance their organisation’s digital security.

The Guardian Training will run from 11 September to 09 October 2025. Applications close on 04 September 2025. For details on eligibility and application requirements, please refer to the sections below.

Apply now to strengthen your organisation’s digital resilience.

About the Training

Learning Objectives

✅ Establish a Strong Digital Security Foundation
✅ Build Practical Awareness of Digital Threats
✅ Strengthen Account and Identity Protection
✅ Promote Responsible and Secure Digital Engagement

Cost

This training is offered at no cost to selected participants, ensuring accessibility for individuals and organisations committed to strengthening their digital security practices. The training materials for those admitted into the training programme will be made available on our MOOC platform for future reference and self-guided learning.

Schedule and Duration

The course will run online from 11 September to 09 October 2025, with weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. Satisfactory participation throughout the training will enable participants to receive a certificate of completion endorsed by all training partners. This structured schedule ensures that trainees gain a deep, progressive understanding of digital security over the course of the program.

Curriculum Overview

✅ Digital Security Fundamentals
✅ Social Engineering
✅ Account Security
✅ Netiquette
✅ Browsing the Internet Safely

Delivery

The course will be delivered entirely online, ensuring accessibility to participants across different regions. The program will feature instructor-led sessions with resources uploaded to our MOOC platform, allowing participants to engage with the material at their own pace while benefiting from real-time interaction and mentorship. This blended approach ensures a structured yet flexible learning experience, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on practical application. Live sessions will be delivered by cyber security experts from Code for Africa (CfA). The course will be delivered in English, French and Arabic.

Eligibility Criteria

Target Countries – Eligibility is open to individuals who either reside or are currently engaged in professional work in Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Current Employment – Priority will be given to individuals working in civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on human rights and democracy. Information and digital security officers are especially encouraged to apply.
Language – You must be fluent in either English, French or Arabic.
Availability – You must be available for virtual training and mentorship sessions.
Partisanship – You must be non-partisan, with no ties to government agencies, paramilitary organisations, political parties, state-affiliated media, or other bodies that may create the perception of partisanship during elections.
Accessibility - You must have access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer with stable internet connectivity to participate in programme activities and online courses/mentoring.
Commitment - You must commit to sharing your new skills and knowledge in your organisation, with your followers, and with the wider journalism/research community, by showcasing your projects and techniques to your peers.

Deadline

All applications must be submitted by midnight GMT on 04 September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure they have ample time to complete the process and secure a spot in the programme.

How to Apply

☑️All applications must be completed through the provided online form.
☑️ Successful applicants will be notified on 06 September 2025.
☑️No interviews or assessments will be conducted as part of the selection process.

Inquiries

Applicants are encouraged to consult the growing list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. If your question has not been answered, please send an email to rose@codeforafrica.org with the subject “Guardian Digital Security Training Question.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What software or tools do I need for the training?

Participants will need access to a computer with a stable internet connection. Participants will be required to install Zoom to attend live sessions.

Will the sessions be recorded?

Yes. All sessions will be recorded and added to our MOOC for learning purposes, but live attendance is required to engage in discussions, group activities, and assessments.

Will I have assignments or coursework outside of the sessions?

Yes, participants will be expected to complete practical exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning between sessions. Participants will need to set aside time to complete additional exercises.

Can I take the course at my own pace?

While the learning resources including the slides and recordings will be available on our MOOC platform, all session will also be live and scheduled. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the live sessions as part of the structured training to maintain continuity in learning.

Will I receive technical support during the training?

Yes, ongoing assistance will be available for troubleshooting technical issues during the training.

How will this training help my career?

The program equips participants with in-demand digital security skills, enhancing their ability to protect sensitive information, navigate online risks confidently, and support their organisation’s digital resilience — key competencies that are increasingly valued across sectors and essential for career growth in today’s digital landscape.

What makes this training unique?

This program combines technical skills with real-world scenarios, legal context, and responsible online behaviour — to empower participants not just to protect themselves, but to strengthen the digital resilience of their organisations and communities.

The Speaker

The Organisation

Code for Africa

Code for Africa (CfA) is the continent’s largest network of indigenous African civic technology and investigative data journalism laboratories, with over 100 staff in 21 countries, who build digital democracy solutions that are intended to give citizens unfettered access to actionable information that empowers them to make informed decisions and that strengthen civic engagement for improved public governance and accountability.

The Organisation

Digitalise Youth Consortium

The Digitalise Youth Consortium is a partnership of six organisations—European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), AfricTivistes, Code for Africa (CfA), CFI Media Development, World Scout Bureau Africa Regional Office, Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF)—working together on the Digitalise Youth Project, powered by the Digital Democracy Initiative.

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