To nurture a generation of young people capable of taking action, defending their rights and bringing about lasting change in the digital sphere. A STRATEGIC PROJECT FOR DIGITAL INCLUSION Digitalise Youth is an initiative led by FESTIC, dedicated to building a more inclusive, secure and equitable digital ecosystem in Senegal. Against a backdrop of rapid digital transformation, the project aims to equip young people with the essential skills to understand, interact with and act responsibly in contemporary digital environments. A CONTEXT MARKED BY MAJOR CHALLENGES Digital technology now plays a central role in young people’s social, economic and civic lives. It represents both an opportunity for development and a space exposed to growing risks. Disinformation, cyberviolence, the misuse of personal data and a lack of digital literacy: these are all challenges that call for a structured and sustainable response. Driven by the Digital Democracy Initiative and supported by the Youth Democracy Cohort, which provides funding, this programme offers a concrete solution — building young people’s capacities and enabling them to navigate the digital space independently, responsibly and safely. EDUCATIONAL APPROACH The programme combines theoretical sessions, practical workshops, case studies and support from experts in digital technology and social innovation. The aim is to ensure that participants genuinely acquire the skills and can apply them directly in their own real-life contexts. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE The programme was rolled out in two successive groups of forty young people: the first cohort began on 9 May 2026, and the second on 16 May 2026. Each cohort represents a key stage in training a new generation of digital professionals. FESTIC’S COMMITMENT Through Digitalise Youth, FESTIC reaffirms its commitment to digital inclusion, the empowerment of young people and the reduction of inequalities in access to digital skills. Particular attention is paid to the inclusion of young women, with a view to promoting equitable and sustainable participation in digital ecosystems. The project is part of a long-term vision: to build a generation of young people who are informed, equipped and actively involved in Senegal’s digital transformation.
Who it's for
- Young people involved in community life
- economic and civic life of their community.
- Young women wishing to pursue a career in the digital sector.
- Young people exposed to digital risks: disinformation
- cyberbullying
- misuse of data.
- People leading social innovation projects with a digital component.
Selection criteria
- No technical prerequisites: the programme is based on young people’s actual uses.
- Be available for the entire duration of their cohort’s session.
- Familiarity with digital environments is sufficient.
Who the facilitators are
- Experts in digital technology and social innovation.
- Professionals specialising in information verification and digital security.
- Trainers who are able to link the training to the real-life experiences of young people.
Facilitators' role
- To develop a critical understanding of online information.
- To promote responsible and engaged digital citizenship.
- Preventing the risks associated with disinformation and cybercrime.
- To encourage the use of digital technology as a driver of social innovation.
- To promote the inclusion of young women in digital careers.
Facilitators' responsibilities
- To lead sessions that combine theoretical input with immediate practical application.
- To support each young person in applying what they have learnt to their own circumstances.
- Ensure that young women are effectively involved throughout the process.
Follow-up and evaluation
- Theory sessions covering the six areas of competence.
- Hands-on workshops and practical use of tools.
- Case studies based on real-life situations.
- Personalised support from experts.
- Implementation within the specific context of each beneficiary.
Expected outcomes
- The ability to identify
- to analyse and verify information online.
- An understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks governing the digital sector.
- Good habits for digital security and protecting your personal data.
- Responsible and engaged behaviour in the digital public sphere.
- The ability to harness digital technology to promote civic engagement.
- Ways of designing a digital solution that has a positive social impact.
Activity schedule
| Activity | Frequency | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sessions théoriques | Tout au long du parcours | Les cadres juridiques, éthiques et méthodologiques nécessaires pour agir en connaissance de cause. |
| Ateliers pratiques | Tout au long du parcours | Une appropriation concrète des compétences, par la manipulation plutôt que par l’exposé. |
| Études de cas | Tout au long du parcours | Des situations réelles de désinformation, de cyberviolence ou de fuite de données, analysées collectivement. |
| Accompagnement par des experts du numérique et de l’innovation sociale | Tout au long du parcours | Une mise en application directe dans le contexte réel de chaque jeune bénéficiaire. |
| Formation de la première cohorte | 9 mai 2026 | Quarante jeunes formés aux six domaines de compétences du programme. |
| Formation de la deuxième cohorte | 16 mai 2026 | Quarante jeunes supplémentaires formés, avec une attention portée à la participation des jeunes femmes. |
Roadmap
Digital rights
Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks of the digital world: what the law protects, what it prohibits, and the remedies that are actually available.
Digital citizenship
Adopting responsible behaviour online, both in personal use and when taking part in public debates.
Combating disinformation
Identifying, analysing and verifying information: the methods used to distinguish between a reliable source and a well-presented rumour.
Digital security
Protection of personal data and digital activities in the face of cyberbullying and cybercrime.
Civic Tech
Using digital technology to foster civic and community engagement: turning digital technology into a tool for collective action.
Social innovation
Designing digital solutions that have a positive impact, addressing the real-life problems faced by young people.