By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Mauritius Telecom, in
partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resource, has launched a
national cybersecurity and artificial intelligence awareness programme aimed at
equipping secondary school students with the skills to navigate the digital
environment safely and responsibly.
The programme was launched
on August 13, 2026, with nearly 500 Grade 10 and Grade 12 students from all four
education zones participating in the inaugural workshop.
The initiative forms part of
broader efforts to strengthen digital literacy among young people and
contributes to the national ambition of upskilling 50,000 Mauritians in
emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
The launch was attended by
Minister of Education and Human Resource Dr Mahend Gungapersad, Mauritius
Telecom Chairman Sarat Lallah, ICT Authority Chairperson Tassarajen Pillay
Chedumbrum, Chairperson of the National Cybersecurity Committee Professor
Vinaye Armoogum, Ombudsperson for Children Aneeta Ghoorah and Mauritius Telecom
Chief Executive Officer Veemal Gungadin.
During the workshop,
specialists from Mauritius Telecom, Absa Bank Mauritius and TrendAI introduced
students to practical cybersecurity and AI-related issues affecting young
people and wider society.
The sessions covered threats
including phishing, online scams, cyberbullying and misinformation, while also
addressing responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence.
The programme will also
provide participating students with access to 10 hours of free online training
through Amazon Web Services (AWS), with participants having an opportunity to
obtain an internationally recognised certification.
Mauritius Telecom said the
initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening education, digital
inclusion and cybersecurity awareness while preparing young people for the
changing demands of the digital economy.
