On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Diaspora African Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAF-Y.E.TC.) celebrated the graduation of its first cybersecurity boot camp at an event held at its Training Center in Osu, Ghana.

The event marked a significant milestone for the organization as it advances tech education across Africa. The students completed an intensive program designed to teach them how to protect digital systems from cyber threats, such as hacking, data theft, as well as how to manage and safeguard sensitive information. 

        The First Five Graduates From The Cybersecurity Program. 

The cybersecurity program covered key topics like confidentiality, integrity, and availability (known as the CIA triad), types of cyber threats, common attack methods, and emerging trends like artificial intelligence-driven attacks and vulnerabilities on the Internet of Things (IoT). Students also studied cybersecurity frameworks and standards, including NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, and COBIT, along with compliance regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. 

Five students graduated from the program, including one female participant, marking a significant milestone for DAF-Y.E.T.C.’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity knowledge in Ghana. Prior to offering cybersecurity classes, DAF-Y.E.T.C has had significant success with training programs that help matriculate students to be gainfully employed in the global call center industry. 

From left: Mr. Kevin Williams( Executive Director for DAF-Y.E.T.C), Mr. Mahar Cooke, (Deputy Director for DAF-Y.E.T.C), and Dr. Erieka Bennett(Head of Mission for DAF) holding a gratitude frame for their partner Mr. Will Green (CEO for CecureData) 

During the event, Dr. Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission for DAF, expressed her gratitude to their program partner, Mr. Will Green of “CecureData”, a United States based firm located in Richmond, Virginia. She stated, “Good morning to you Mr. Will Green and your company, we are so delighted to partner with you, we are so delighted that we have this opportunity to say thank you for what you have done, we are looking forward to a long-lasting partnership. Today is a very special day for our five graduates.” 

Mr. Kevin Williams, Executive Director for DAF-Y.E.T.C., also shared his appreciation, stating, “The Diaspora African Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAF-Y.E.T.C.) is so thankful for what you have contributed over the length of the course. Your Cybersecurity Boot Camp has been amazing, I’m positive that your company “CecureData” partnered with DAF-Y.E.T.C. are on the path to change the lives of Ghanaians. Collectively we will bring innovation and technology to Accra, Ghana, but what is truly important today is our first five cybersecurity graduates. So again, we thank you.” 

Mr. Mahar Cooke, Deputy Director of the center also gave his congratulations and words of encouragement to the graduates, “This event is only the beginning of DAF-Y.E.T.C.’s mission to expand cybersecurity training across Africa and beyond”. 

About the Diaspora African Forum Youth Empowerment Training Center (DAF-Y.E.T.C.) 

DAF-Y.E.T.C. is committed to fostering the personal, academic, and professional growth of youth across the continent of Africa. Our mission is to provide inclusive and innovative programs that promote self-confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, enabling young people to realize their full potential and become agents of positive change in their lives and communities. 

About the Diaspora African Forum 

 The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) is a non-profit organization that was opened on July 7, 2001, by H.E. President J.A. Kufuor, and endorsed by the African Union (AU). DAF remains the only African Diaspora organization of its kind, with a mission to support the AU by connecting the African Diaspora and promoting their role in Africa’s development. Over the past two decades, DAF has worked to bridge the gap between Africa and its global diaspora, helping to drive progress and innovation on the continent. 

 

STORY BY: EUNICE ADJEI  

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