By The Forum
A University of Malawi (Unima) student has designed a digital app aimed at helping protect children aged between 10 and 17 from online dangers such as cyberbullying, sextortion, and harmful content.
The innovative tool, is a WhatsApp chatbot called SafeChat Guardian designed by Nathan Majawa, a graduate student in the Media, Communication, and Development program at Unima.
Inspired by findings from the 2023 National Survey on access and use of information and communication technologies by households and individuals in Malawi, the tool is part of an initiative supported by a school-based campaign in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation Youth Net and Counselling (Yoneco) and is part of a broader digital media for development effort aimed at protecting children.
“This chatbot gives children a voice and a safe space online,” said Majawa, adding: “As a student, I wanted to use digital tools to create something practical and life-changing.”
The technology is now in use on a pilot basis for the entire month of July in four Blantyre schools: Zingwangwa, Njamba, Ndirande Hill, and Nyambadwe Private Secondary.
