The program aims to benefit 40,000+ students and 10,000+ villagers including the tribals, fostering cyber awareness and resilience while shaping the youth’s skills
10th October 2023 | Assam: Quick Heal Technologies Limited, through its CSR arm – Quick Heal Foundation, today, launched the groundbreaking “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn” initiative in Barpeta, Assam. The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal and Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation, who inaugurated the program, marking a significant milestone in enhancing cybersecurity education in Barpeta. Joining hands with ‘Srijan – Ek Soch’, a local NGO, this initiative, is expected to touch the lives of over 40,000 students and 10,000 villagers in the region, spreading awareness on safe digital practices fortifying cybersecurity preparedness amongst.
As one of the 250 most backward districts in India, Barpeta has been a beneficiary of the Backward Regions Grant Fund Program (BRGF) since 2006. The picturesque town of Barpeta is located 98 kilometers northwest of Guwahati and serves as the administrative headquarters of Barpeta district.
The “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha – Earn & Learn” initiative is dedicated to the holistic development of youth in Barpeta, aiming to empower them with skills beyond cybersecurity. It emphasizes education, including personality development, soft skills, and public speaking, and seeks to integrate these young individuals into mainstream society by providing exposure to diverse experiences and fostering personal growth are key components, enabling them to break down barriers they may face in underprivileged areas. Moreover, the initiative prepares them for future employment opportunities, making them valuable contributors to both their local job market and the broader society, ultimately creating well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in the digital age.
Under the programme, approximately 40 volunteers, comprising members of the local community and students from local colleges offering computer science education, will be selected and mobilized within the aspirational district to serve as Assam Cyber Warriors, fostering awareness of cybersecurity among the local populace. The training for these volunteers will include four hours of online sessions focusing on soft skills and general cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, offline sessions will cover personality development, team building, goal setting, and public speaking.
These Cyber Warriors will engage with school children and the community, conducting presentations and awareness programs in the local language to educate them about potential digital risks, including phishing scams, cyberbullying, fake news, online shopping scams, and more. The initiative will also host “Cyber Chaupals” to engage with villagers during both, day and night, ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity awareness. As part of their outreach efforts, the Cyber Warriors will also create communication material, such as posters, which will provide easily understandable information on preventing cyberattacks in the local language. These posters will be prominently displayed in Gram Panchayat offices and other community gathering areas.
The Cyber Warriors will continue to serve as change agents, both during and after the program, within their respective villages. To support these dedicated Cyber Warriors, stipends will be provided to help cover their educational expenses, enabling them to share their knowledge and expertise effectively.
“As we launch the ‘Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’s Earn & Learn’ initiative in Barpeta, my heart swells with pride and hope. It is a momentous step towards empowering our communities, and arming them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape safely. In the ‘Land of Satras,’ we are sowing the seeds of cyber awareness, nurturing local talent to become Cyber Warriors. Together with ‘Srijan – Ek Soch,’ we are not just securing the digital future of the local community; we are fostering a spirit of resilience and empowerment. Let this initiative be a beacon of light in the world of cyber darkness, guiding our people towards a safer, smarter tomorrow,” said Ms. Anupama Katkar, Chief of Operational Excellence, Quick Heal and Chairperson of Quick Heal Foundation.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Barpeta and our village leaders for their unwavering support in making today possible. The students selected for this program are destined to be role models for Assam and beyond, inspiring others to dream big. The smiles we see today are a testament to the collective impact of the Quick Heal Foundation and village leaders. Quick Heal Foundation has played a pivotal role in Srijan’s journey, supporting programs like Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha and Arogya Yan vans. Thanks to the visionary initiative of Quick Heal, especially Anupama Ma’am and Ajay Sir, we have an incredible opportunity to bring about real change. Quick Heal’s dedication to society and their contributions to social initiatives inspire us all. Together, we are committed to executing this program with excellence, setting a standard for others to match,” said Mr. Vikas Kumar Tiwari, CEO, ‘Srijan – Ek Soch’.
The introduction of “Cyber Shiksha for Cyber Suraksha’s – Earn & Learn” in Barpeta is an extension of Quick Heal Foundation’s continued commitment to creating a safer digital environment in India and fostering local talent to become vigilant Cyber Warriors.
