Meet Shamiso Muchena, 23, Iduteyiteka Louange Princia, 23, from Burundi, Razafiniarivo Nosoloina Theothaina, 24, from Madagascar and Ema Fidelite Niyonkuru, 22, from Rwanda.
These four young women are part of the transformative YESS (Youth Exchange South to South) programme and have spent the past two months in Kenya with a mission that transcends borders: Inspiring change among young girls.
As Girl Guides under the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), they are driven by a shared passion for empowering young women and fostering leadership.
Central to their efforts is the Surf Smart Programme. This initiative empowers young people—especially girls and young women—to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
In an interview with Nation Lifestyle, Shamiso highlights the importance of equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. She emphasises that fostering digital literacy is key to empowering the next generation to protect themselves, make informed choices, and contribute to building a safer, more inclusive digital future.
Tell us about your role in WAGGGS and what inspired you to bring the Surf Smart Programme to Kenya…
Why is it important to focus on girls and young women when it comes to digital literacy and online safety?
What are the key elements of the Surf Smart Programme and how do they help participants navigate the digital world safely?
What feedback have you received from participants about Self Smart's impact?
What are the plans for expanding the programme to reach more girls?
How do you measure the success of the programme, and what indicators do you use to evaluate the impact?
What advice would you give to other organisations or individuals looking to implement a similar programme in their community?
