This initiative was carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI) of Mexico, in collaboration with the Cybersecurity Section of the OAS/CICTE and with financial support from the Government of Canada. “Cybersecurity in Our Own Words” aims to promote a participatory and inclusive approach in which the voices of Indigenous children and adolescents play a central role in building a cyber-secure Mexico.

Through this activity, training workshops, content in Indigenous languages, and strategies to strengthen cybersecurity skills have been developed with the goal of ensuring a safe, equitable, and culturally diverse virtual environment. The initiative’s actions focus on three key areas: digital skills training, the creation of accessible materials in Indigenous languages to strengthen online safety, and the promotion of cultural diversity as a fundamental pillar in building a more inclusive cyberspace.


Access materials on cybersecurity and safe internet use created in:

Objectives

To ensure that Indigenous children and adolescents have access to an inclusive, safe, and enriching digital environment. The program seeks to empower participants to navigate the digital world safely, developing key skills in areas such as data protection, online privacy, and safety against digital risks such as cyberbullying and disinformation. In addition, it promotes the creation of content in Indigenous languages, fostering respect for cultural diversity and strengthening the digital identity of Indigenous youth.

The more specific objectives of this initiative are:

  • Strengthen the digital and cybersecurity skills of Indigenous children and adolescents: Enhance their understanding of protecting their online identity and promote responsible behavior on digital platforms.
  • Develop culturally relevant and safe digital content: Create educational materials in Indigenous languages such as Maya and Nahuatl, adapted to the cultural and linguistic realities of Indigenous communities, ensuring digital representation of their identities and cultures.
  • Strengthen cooperation and commitment of Indigenous communities to digital safety: Encourage the active participation of Indigenous communities in the design of cybersecurity content, integrating their voices to develop digital solutions that respond to their specific cultural needs and challenges.
  • Promote regional and international participation: Promote the initiative and encourage discussions on cybersecurity awareness for children and adolescents as well as digital gaps in Indigenous communities, facilitating the exchange of experiences and knowledge among key stakeholders from different countries.
Activities

The program included a series of key activities to promote cybersecurity among Indigenous children and adolescents, adapted to their cultural and linguistic needs:

  • Cybersecurity Workshops with children and adolescents: Practical workshops were held in which indigenous children and adolescents learned about online safety, data protection, privacy, and how to avoid digital risks such as cyberbullying. During these workshops, participants shared their experiences and learned from experts in the field, with the goal of strengthening their digital skills and providing them with tools to navigate the internet safely.
  • Development of Cybersecurity Infographics in Indigenous Languages: Infographics with practical cybersecurity tips adapted to the realities of Indigenous communities were developed. These infographics are available in Indigenous languages, such as Maya and Nahuatl, ensuring information accessibility. Spanish and English translations were also produced, enabling wider dissemination and knowledge exchange among different communities.
  • Initiative Launch through a Webinar: The initiative included a webinar to officially present the campaign, its objectives, activities, and developed resources, such as the workshops and infographics. This virtual event served as a platform for outreach and awareness, bringing together representatives of Indigenous communities, cybersecurity experts, and academics. Through the webinar, the initiative aimed to promote regional and international engagement, addressing key cybersecurity awareness issues for children and adolescents, as well as the digital gaps faced by Indigenous communities. The event sought to involve more stakeholders in the commitment to digital safety for children and to foster the active participation of Indigenous communities in the campaign.

    These activities not only served as training opportunities but also empowered Indigenous children and adolescents to participate in the digital world, equipping them with the tools necessary to pr
Beneficiary Countries
Mexico
Mexico
Team
Kerry-Ann Barrett
Manager
Mariana Cardona
Program Officer
Strategic Partners