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On March 3rd, 2025, an Information security Consultant Salamatu Chator Ibrahim returned to her alma mater, not just to celebrate her birthday but to give back in a meaningful way. She organized a cybersecurity outreach aimed at educating young students on the dangers of the digital world and how to navigate it safely.
For Salamatu, this was more than just an event; it was a full-circle moment. Having once sat in those very classrooms, she understood the challenges young students face, especially in today’s digital age. With smartphones and the internet now widely accessible to children, she saw an urgent need to equip them with the right knowledge to stay safe online.
Why This Outreach Was Important
One of the key reasons Salamatu and her team focused on primary and junior high school students was to tackle cybersecurity risks at their root. In Ghana today, many young students have access to smartphones and the internet, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats. By educating them early, the outreach aimed to equip them with the awareness and critical thinking skills needed to make safer choices as they grow.
Salamatu emphasized that when these students transition to senior high school and beyond, they will already understand the consequences of their online actions, significantly reducing the likelihood of engaging in risky behavior. The goal was to shape their mindset from the beginning, ensuring that they enter their teenage years with the right knowledge to protect themselves in the digital world.
A Day of Learning and Impact
The outreach featured insightful sessions led by experienced professionals who broke down key cybersecurity topics in an engaging and interactive way:
• Cyberbullying – Philip Gyimah, President of the Computer Science and Engineering Students Association, explained the impact of online harassment and the importance of standing up against it.
• Anti-Nudity Awareness – Rafiatu Ibrahim, a National Service personnel at Amalitech, educated the students on the dangers of sharing inappropriate images and how to protect their digital reputation.
• Sextortion – Alexandra Boateng, CEO of Educ8Africa Ghana, shed light on the growing threat of online blackmail and provided guidance on how to stay safe.
• Why Cybersecurity is for Everyone – Fauzia Nurudeen, a Research Assistant at WACCBIP, emphasized that cybersecurity isn’t just for IT professionals—it’s for everyone who uses the internet.
• Interactive Q&A Session – Led by Sharon, a student at the University of Ghana, this session allowed students to ask questions and receive practical advice on staying safe online.
To further support the students, the outreach team distributed exercise books donated by hall presidents at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), a Cybersecurity for Kids book, and calculators for junior high school students preparing for senior high school.
Giving Back to the School
Beyond educating the students, Salamatu and her team wanted to leave a lasting impact. They donated:
• Four cybersecurity books to the school library.
• Two packs of books donated by Oguaa Hall.
The school proprietress expressed her deep gratitude, thanking the team for returning to give back. She prayed that many more students would follow Salamatu’s footsteps and return to contribute to their former school in the future.
Salamatu’s Message to the Students
In her speech, Salamatu Ibrahim reflected on her journey from being a student in that very school to becoming a cybersecurity professional. She shared her experiences, emphasizing that success is possible with determination and hard work.
She left the students with these key takeaways:
• Think before you type. Cyberbullying is real, and words can have lasting consequences. If you are a victim, speak up.
• Never share inappropriate images. Once something is online, control is lost.
Sextortion is a growing threat, and young people must protect themselves.
• Protect your digital identity. Be mindful of what you post and who you interact with online.
• Cybersecurity is for everyone. Regardless of career paths, online safety is essential for all.
Salamatu also shared her vision of seeing more young people—especially in Ghana—becoming cybersecurity professionals, innovators, and problem-solvers in the tech world. She emphasized that the future of cybersecurity starts with awareness and education, and she hoped that this outreach had inspired students to take their digital safety seriously.
A Meaningful Conclusion
The outreach ended on a high note with a thank-you session, refreshments for the students and teachers, and a closing prayer led by Rukaya Mohammed, a dedicated team member.
Salamatu left her alma mater that day feeling fulfilled. This outreach was not just an event—it was the beginning of a movement. A movement to educate, inspire, and build a safer digital future for the next generation.
Acknowledgments
Salamatu expressed her deepest appreciation to her incredible team, the speakers, the donors, and everyone who contributed to the success of the outreach.
This is just the beginning, and she looks forward to reaching even more young minds in the future.
Stay cyber safe. Stay mindful. Keep learning.
