The digital age offers remarkable opportunities for social change, especially in conflict-affected areas. Recognizing this potential, the #defyhatenow initiative launched the #Tech4Peace project in Cameroon in July 2024. Over the past three months, this innovative program has brought together a diverse group of individuals dedicated to promoting peace through technology and media literacy. The primary goals of the #Tech4Peace project is centred around empowering participants to utilise technology to foster peace and cohesion within their communities. This training aimed at: 

– Enhancing media literacy through the program, educating participants on media and information literacy, helping them critically evaluate online content and combat the spread of hate speech.

– In a bid to instil conflict resolution skills in them, participants learned first hand how to navigate and resolve conflicts peacefully, drawing from their own experiences and surrounding environments. 

– The project provided hands-on training in various digital tools and platforms, equipping fellows with practical skills to create and share peace-promoting content effectively.

– To understand the importance of fostering community engagement by directly engaging with their communities and realising projects, fellows have been empowered to implement peace initiatives that resonate with local needs and cultural contexts.

The #Tech4Peace project attracted a wide array of passionate individuals from various regions across Cameroon specifically from the North West, South West, Centre and the Northern regions. Throughout this period, they demonstrated their eagerness, dedication and passion to gain more skills in technology and were more zealous about how they can use these newly acquired skills or knowledge to build peace in their respective communities. The selected fellows were chosen based on their commitment to promoting peace and their potential to impact their communities positively. This diverse group is composed of youth leaders, activists, creatives and Tech enthusiasts each bringing unique perspectives and skills to the program. Their shared ambition is to use technology as a means of fostering dialogue and understanding among their peers and in communities.

They were opportune to meet and engage with experts who took time out to share their own experiences and perspectives with them around community peace building, media literacy, information disorder, understanding and mastering the mitigation of hate/dangerous speech, design for peacebuilding, web development, AI and content creation for responsible social media engagement.  

As the three-month session comes to a close, a comprehensive bootcamp will be held from October 24-25, 2024, in Yaounde, to celebrate the achievements of the fellows. A three months online training which now allows participants to finally get to meet their peers from other regions for a 2day gathering, will be more of a networking platform to connect with each other and birth or build impactful ideas for the future. This event is structured around several key components:

• The fellows will present their final projects, showcasing how they have applied their training to address specific issues related to hate speech and conflict in their communities. These presentations will highlight innovative solutions and creative approaches, embodying the spirit of the #Tech4Peace initiative. 

• During the bootcamp, participants will engage with mentors and peers to receive constructive feedback on their projects, fostering an environment of collaborative improvement.

• As a formal recognition of their hard work and dedication over the past three months, all fellows will be awarded certificates of completion. This acknowledgment not only rewards their efforts but also enhances their credentials as peace advocates in their communities.

• The bootcamp will facilitate connections among fellows, mentors, and institution professionals. These networking opportunities are vital for building lasting partnerships and amplifying the impact of their initiatives.

The #Tech4Peace project, organised by #defyhatenow, represents a transformative effort to harness technology for peacebuilding in Cameroon. By equipping a new generation of peace advocates with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address hate speech and foster social cohesion, this initiative is paving the way for a more peaceful future.

As the bootcamp approaches for October 24 to 25, 2024, the excitement in the air grows, with fellows eager to share their innovations and celebrate their collective journey toward promoting peace using technology. The outcomes of this project have the potential to resonate far beyond the classroom, inspiring communities and igniting a movement toward understanding and unity in the face of division.

For more updates on the #Tech4Peace initiative and further details on the next intake of fellows, stay connected with the #defyhatenow community on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter now X. LinkedIn, Tiktok, Instagram). 

Hashtag: #defyhatenow #Tech4Peace, #ThinkB4UClick, #PeaceBuilding, #HateFreeCameroon