I am proud to represent Engaging Youths in Anti-corruption and Cybercrime Education, also known as EYACE – Dr. Jude Dandison. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing cybercrime—specifically “Yahoo Yahoo” and “Yahoo Plus”—through a uniquely Nigerian, home-grown approach to fighting corruption.
At EYACE, we believe that education is the most powerful tool in combating corruption and cybercrime. Our method is simple yet profoundly impactful: we bring anti-corruption and cybercrime education directly to the youth who are often unaware of the severe consequences of these crimes and the detrimental effects a criminal record can have on their futures.
Our approach targets youths across various stages of their education and in different community settings:
Primary and Secondary Schools: We start early by educating young students about the importance of integrity, the dangers of cybercrime, and the long-term impacts of engaging in illegal activities.
Universities: At this critical stage, we provide in-depth training and resources to help students understand cybersecurity, recognize potential threats, and resist the temptations of cybercrime.
Churches, Mosques, and Community Town Hall Meetings: By engaging with youths in their communities and places of worship, we reinforce our message and provide a supportive environment for discussing the ethical and legal implications of cybercrime.
Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on engaging parents and families. We understand that the support system at home plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behaviors of young people. Therefore, we conduct educational sessions for parents and families to:
Raise Awareness: We inform parents about the prevalence of cybercrime and how youths are being drawn into these illegal activities.
Highlight Consequences: We educate families on cybercrime’s severe legal and social consequences, including the long-term impact of having a criminal record. We emphasize that a criminal record can hinder future employment opportunities, travel, and overall reputation.
Family Impact: We discuss how the repercussions of cybercrime extend beyond the individual, affecting the entire family emotionally, financially, and socially. Families of those involved in cybercrime often face stigma, financial burdens, and emotional distress.
Our efforts are driven by the overwhelming feedback we have received: many young Nigerians are unaware of the severe consequences of having a criminal record, as this is not commonly taught in schools. This lack of awareness contributes significantly to the rise in cybercrime among our youth. By filling this educational gap, we aim to substantially impact reducing these crimes.
EYACE’s programs include interactive workshops, seminars, and training sessions led by experts in anti-corruption and cybersecurity. We also run awareness campaigns on social media and other platforms to reach a broader audience.
Our mission is not just to educate but to empower the youth to make ethical choices and become advocates for integrity in their communities. Through our efforts, we hope to foster a generation that values transparency and ethical behavior, ultimately leading to a decrease in cybercrime and corruption.
We are deeply committed to this cause and invite you to join us in our efforts. Whether through partnership, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps us move closer to a future where our youth are informed, empowered, and engaged in building a more honest and secure society.
Thank you for your time and support. Together, we can make a difference
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