Meta and Sarvodaya-Fusion launch We Think Digital programme

‘We Think Digital’ is Meta’s global digital literacy programme that aims to develop digital skills to create a positive and safe culture online.
In 2020, the programme was launched in Sri Lanka by Meta in partnership with Sarvodaya-Fusion’s ‘IT Yahamaga’ initiative, which is supported by the Education Ministry and Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). 

This collaboration helped educate students, youth and adults with the necessary skills to become responsible digital citizens. In 2021, a new programme was introduced with the goal of educating school and university students, psycho-social counsellors, youth club members and women across the country on the effective and ethical use of digital tools while being cautious and conscious of their online safety and teaching them to be confident digital citizens. 

The new pilot is predominantly aimed at increasing inclusivity in the society by focusing on children and youth with hearing impairment and hearing-loss. It will be carried out as a national-level programme with the partnership of the Non-Formal and Special Needs Unit of the Education Ministry, ICTA), Meta and Sri Lanka Central Federation of the Deaf (SLCFD).
Meta Public Policy Manager Connectivity and Access Policy Tahani Iqbal said, “In today’s world, it’s crucial to know how to navigate the digital space and make it more inclusive. Through a programme like We Think Digital, we are providing necessary skills and awareness about online behavior and how to become better digital citizens. It’s truly gratifying to see this programme take on a life of its own and help connect people with disabilities to new opportunities.”

We Think Digital with IT Yahamaga is designed to break social and physical barriers and ensure that communities with disabilities are made aware of how technology can be used to improve their quality of life and gain more opportunities while ensuring a safe digital environment. The programme content is curated to suit two target audiences: schoolchildren aged 14-18 years and youth aged above 18 years. These programmes will be carried out in person, with sign language interpretation, including visually appealing content and slide decks to maintain interest and engagement.