As part of the UK Commonwealth Cyber Security programme, Get Safe Online has been commissioned by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to implement tailored communications programmes to raise awareness on the importance of online safety in Commonwealth countries, of which Rwanda is a member. Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in November 2009, becoming its 54^th member.

The Get Safe Online campaign kicked off in Rwanda on 20^th July, 2020, and has been running on different online and offline platforms for the last five months. This campaign in Rwanda came on the heels of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and lockdown, where people globally are relying on online technology more than ever.

In implementing the Campaign in Rwanda, Get Safe Online has worked in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA). Get Safe Online Rwanda has also collaborated with youth-based initiatives such as the Broadcasters Community, Girls in ICT and the Kigali Global Shapers; in spreading messages on the importance of online safety.

On Tuesday, 8^th December at 10am, Get Safe Online Rwanda will launch its fully translated and comprehensive Kinyarwanda website with detailed information on online safety and awareness. The launch of this website is the first of its kind in the 22 Commonwealth member countries that Get Safe Online operates in.

According to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation; Mr. Yves Iradukunda, “the Get Safe Online Campaign is a welcome addition to ongoing efforts to promote online safety in Rwanda. Given the government’s continued efforts of smart governance and services digitization, cybersecurity awareness is important for all citizens.”

Jenny Thornton, Head of International Relations at Get Safe Online states that, “the aim of the Campaign is to raise awareness of risks and safety measures which will protect people from online security risks. These risks include phishing scams, identity theft, ransomware, malware, viruses and other online threats.  Providing a comprehensive and fully accessible website in Kinyarwanda is the most natural step to progress the Get Safe Online campaign efforts in Rwanda and to appeal to as many citizens as possible. We are most grateful to the Ministry of ICT and Innovation and the Rwanda Information Society Authority for their collaboration and partnership.”

The Get Safe Online Campaign in Rwanda aims to raise awareness on the importance of staying safe online, and will comprise collectively of:

1. A locally presented, freely accessible website (www.getsafeonline.org.rw) in both English and Kinyarwanda with comprehensive information on online safety and cybersecurity.
2. Locally driven awareness and promotional campaigns, highlighting the most prevalent and highest cyber risks.
3. Capacity building to ensure continued advocacy for online safety, through an advocacy scheme enabling local people to deliver workshops within their organisations and communities, under the training, mentoring, guidance of Get Safe Online experts and local partners.

Get Safe Online is a non-profit organization based in the UK, which has been providing free, accessible, high-quality public education and awareness services about online risks since 2005.  Get Safe Online works alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, law enforcement agencies, regulators and private sector organizations in the technology, communications, retail and finance sector. The organization has established an excellent and trusted reputation among the cyber security community and the public.