Facebook launches initiative to improve digital literacy in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 23 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Partners Sarvodaya Fusion to train and educate 20,000 students across Sri Lanka in one year

Reinforcing its commitment to improving digital literacy in Sri Lanka, Facebook has announced the launch of a digital literacy program in the country.

The program, being held in partnership with Sarvodaya Fusion’s ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative in Sinhala and Tamil, underscores Facebook’s mission of giving people the power to build communities. As part of the program, 20,000 school and university students will be educated over a one-year period.

The program will include students from across different community groups in Colombo, Jaffna, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Matara, Hambantota, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Monaragala, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ratnapura. The interactive training sessions will include training on the safe and responsible use of the internet and contains topics that teach online users how to think critically online and effectively differentiate credible information from questionable details.

It also includes empathy as a key value to express online with the aim of not just creating a safer and informed community but one which embraces perspectives and respects differences of opinion.

Speaking at the launch of the program, Facebook India, South and Central Asia Public Policy Director Ankhi Das said: “Our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. We believe that when we share information and connect, we achieve extraordinary things. In a young nation like Sri Lanka, with over five million Facebook users, what’s really needed is a raised awareness about the potential of the internet and the need to remain safe while being online. When this happens, we will see more meaningful and profound online experiences which will ultimately benefit the nation and its economy while strengthening its social fabric.” Sarvodaya Fusion General Manager Maithree Malwattegoda added: “We are delighted with this collaboration with Facebook as it will go a long way in enhancing digital literacy in Sri Lanka. It is important that we make sure that we are putting the right intervention to address the responsible usage of the internet. With our reach and experience in the e-empowerment of communities at the grassroots and Facebook’s technology and online reach, we will work together towards maximising the potential of the internet for the benefit of young people in Sri Lanka.”