On a typical busy morning in Rwanda’s Karongi District, Patrice Nshimiyimana, a 44-year-old father of three, sat down with his phone, about to do something he’d never done before: renew his family’s health insurance online.
For years, he had relied on neighbors or local cyber cafés to access essential government services, a time-consuming and expensive solution that could jeopardize his privacy. But this time would be different.
After completing the Internet Society Rwanda Chapter’s Digital Parenting and Online Safety training, Patrice could now confidently navigate the country’s Irembo platform on his own.
“Today, I can do things like manage my health insurance or request a copy of my marriage certificate without anyone’s help,” he said with a smile. “I also know how to protect my data and keep my kids safe online.”
Across Karongi and beyond, stories like Patrice’s are becoming more common as Rwandan parents gain digital literacy skills essential for safeguarding their families and participating fully in the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
Rwanda is at the cutting edge of Africa’s digital transformation, with government initiatives rapidly moving essential services online. But many parents and caregivers lack the skills to use these tools safely and guide their children in navigating the online world.
For some, a smartphone was a device for making calls. “Before the training, I didn’t even know you could apply for services on a phone,” said Colombe Uwizeyimana, a 38-year-old mother. “I also didn’t realize I was taking risks with my personal information.”
This limited awareness leaves families vulnerable to misinformation, mobile money fraud, and other scams. Meanwhile, children’s unmonitored screen time and exposure to inappropriate content present parents with new challenges.
“My kids spent hours online, and I didn’t know what they were doing,” said Patrice, recalling his family’s life before the training. “Their grades started slipping, but I never made the connection.”
To address parents’ concerns, our Rwanda Chapter launched a two-day bilingual training program in Karongi with funding from the Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program. Delivered in both English and Kinyarwanda, the sessions drew 50 parents, teachers, and local leaders.
The workshops focused on real-world issues: how to recognize online scams, use secure messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, manage privacy settings, and use digital platforms responsibly. Participants also learned to access e-government services through their phones, eliminating the need for assistance from others.
Program staff worked with schools, Karongi District authorities, and local leaders to bring the training to people well-placed to share their new knowledge with others. After completing the course, these “online safety champions” play a key role in accelerating change at the community level.
For many participants, the training opened doors to greater independence. Jeannine Umuhoza, a 42-year-old mother of two, said the experience transformed the way she uses technology.
“I used to worry that I didn’t know enough about the Internet to help my little ones,” she said. “But now I’ve learned how to keep my social media accounts secure, and I can install and delete apps safely. I feel empowered.”
This empowerment has had ripple effects at home. After learning how to manage screen time and set parental controls, Jeannine noticed improvements in her children’s habits and on their report cards.
“Before, they were always online watching random videos,” she said. “Now, they have time limits. One of them was doing 15 percent better in school after just three months.”
Colombe shared a similar story. “Today, whenever my kids face challenges, I help them find trustworthy information online. I’ve shown them how to protect their data and avoid inappropriate content, too. The Internet is no longer something to fear. It’s a tool we can use wisely together.”
Participants also reported that the training has saved them time and money since they don’t need to rely on others to access online services anymore. For many, it marked their first step toward full participation in Rwanda’s digital society.
Parents furthermore enjoy more peace of mind while online. Many had previously fallen victim to mobile money scams or privacy violations on social media. In the training, they learned to spot suspicious messages, check information sources, and create strong passwords.
“I used to believe everything I saw online,” said Jeannine. “But now I keep an eye out for scam attempts and fake news. I always think twice before clicking or sharing.”
The Rwanda Chapter’s grassroots approach has positioned it as a trusted partner in digital education. Its collaboration with Karongi’s schools and leaders has expanded its reach, ensuring that digital safety remains a shared priority. Plans are underway to scale the initiative to other districts to empower more parents and teachers across the country.
Beyond individual households, the project has fostered greater digital trust, a key component of the Internet Society’s global 2030 Strategy. When people understand how to protect themselves online, they’re more likely to engage with digital platforms, contribute to the economy, and share knowledge with others.
“Before this training, I thought technology was only for experts,” said Colombe. “Now, I know it’s for everyone—we just need to use it safely.”
The Internet Society and Internet Society Foundation are committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can enjoy a safe and secure online experience. Through initiatives like the Digital Parenting and Online Safety training in Rwanda, which has proved invaluable for parents like Patrice, Jeannine, and Colombe, we’re proving that digital inclusion begins with education, and that trust can be rebuilt, one community at a time.
Image © Internet Society Rwanda Chapter
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