On October 29th, 2025, the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter successfully organized the Online Trust and Safety Training at Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites in Nyagatare District.

This training was part of the Internet Society’s Global Online Trust and Safety Training initiative, designed to equip newly connected Internet users with the skills to navigate the digital world safely.

The training brought together 21 participants representing women-led organizations and entrepreneurs from diverse background including retail and services, such as boutiques, restaurants, supermarkets, grocery shops, and liquor stores. Participants also included owners of dairies, clothing and fabric shops, guest houses, hardware stores , agro-dealers and banking agents.

The training was structured around four core sessions, providing participants with practical skills to navigate the digital world safely.

The first session, Device Protection, focused on managing applications, securing devices, using strong passwords, and installing antivirus software and updates. Participants learned best practices to ensure their devices remain safe and resilient against threats.

The second session, Safe Browsing, guided participants on connecting securely to the internet, identifying reliable websites and applications, and understanding the significance of their digital footprint and online reputation in building trust and maintaining online safety.

The third session, Social Media and Privacy, explored responsible use of social media platforms. Participants learned how to configure privacy settings, avoid phishing attempts, prevent mobile money (MoMo) fraud, and maintain digital wellbeing while sharing information responsibly online.

The final session, Understanding Online Threats, introduced participants to risks under the 4 Cs framework—content, contact, conduct, and contract. They explored threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft, online grooming, and learned practical mitigation strategies, including compliance with Rwanda’s cybercrime laws, reporting mechanisms, and response measures.

Together, these sessions equipped participants with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, prevent, and respond to online threats, creating safer and more resilient digital environments for themselves and their communities.

The Internet Society Rwanda Chapter remains committed to advancing digital inclusion and online safety, empowering communities particularly entrepreneurs and women-led organizations to confidently use the Internet while maintaining trust and security.