Cyber Ninjas’ on a mission: young people leading the fight for online safety
Over 500 young people learn about cybersecurity, media literacy and creative storytelling, gaining skills to stay safe online.
- Հայերեն
- English
Cybercrimes and cyber bullying are among the biggest threats in the present digital world, and the best defense against them is knowledge! That’s where Cyber Ninja Camp comes in. This exciting programme, launched by UNICEF and the Enterprise Incubator Foundation with support from the UK Government, is all about empowering young people to navigate the digital world more confidently and safely. Through hands-on training, participants not only learn the basics of cybersecurity but also have the chance to unleash their creativity in the process.
After six months of hands-on learning, more than 60 young people of ages 12 to 18, have come together in Sisian from Lori, Shirak and Syunik to showcase their work, having developed their own Cyber Ninja characters - fictional heroes on a mission to make the digital world a safer place.
With guidance from experts, participants turned their ideas into reality: creating comic books, stories, and educational videos. Soon they will be sharing their work back in their own communities with their peers, spreading awareness and helping to spread the culture of cybersecurity among young people.
“This programme has empowered 500 young people with essential skills in cybersecurity, media literacy, and creative storytelling. Through training sessions, online resources, and hands-on workshops, they have gained the tools to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.”
Moreover, over seven weeks, 60 participants gained storytelling and digital skills and became advocates for online safety. They are now sharing what they have learned with their friends, family, and teachers, helping to create a more secure digital space for everyone.
“From designing comics and producing videos to leading discussions on digital security, these young changemakers are actively shaping a generation that is more resilient to online threats,” Aleksanyan explains.
For Lilia, cybersecurity has always been her dream career. So, when she saw the programme announcement, she knew it was her chance to take the first step. “I didn’t hesitate, I applied right away to follow my dream,” she says with excitement.
Beyond learning new skills, Lilia values the chance to share her knowledge with others.
“What we have learned over these six months is not just for ourselves,” she states. “We will be sharing this knowledge and skills with our friends at school and with our teachers as well.”
Another participant, Samvel, has always been fascinated by the digital world. His interests go beyond cybersecurity – he has also explored programming, 3D modeling, and engineering. With each new course, he continues to build his skills, always eager to discover new opportunities in technology.
Samvel highlights the importance of being informed and resourceful, emphasizing that awareness is the first step to tackling disinformation. For him, young people play a key role in driving change.
“By being educated and informed, we can create a more cyber-safe environment, especially in complex situations, including in times of conflict,”
Lilia says that speaking with cybersecurity experts and listening to their real-life experiences helped her understand that online threats can affect anyone, not people in media stories.
“Cyberattacks and fraud are not distant threats,” she explains. “They can happen to any one of us. We just need to stay vigilant and learn how to protect ourselves.”
For Karine, 14, the programme sparked her curiosity to further explore cybersecurity.
“There is still so much to learn and discover. One of the most exciting parts for me was creating the Cyber Ninja characters and building stories around them,”
“Once, my mother received a phishing email, and I immediately told her not to open it and to block the sender,” says Lilia. “Now, even my friends ask me about cybersecurity, and I am always happy to help them out,” adds Samvel.
While they are committed to helping those around them, they also see the need for larger, systemic solutions. “We will do our best to share cybersecurity tips and information with our friends, family, and teachers,” Samvel explains. “But tackling this growing threat requires experts and action from government bodies. I hope that I can specialize further over time and contribute with more professional solutions and ideas in the future.”
The Cyber Ninja camp’s next stop will be in Tavush and Gegharkunik, where young participants will create their own Cyber Ninja characters, continuing the effort to strengthen online safety across Armenia.
This material has been funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
