From Assessment to Action Supporting CSOs through the CDA Digital Safety ToT

On 18 December 2025, we conducted a Connect Defend Act (CDA) Digital Safety, Training of Trainers (ToT) at Malawi SUN Hotel, bringing together selected participants from CSOs across Mangochi, Nkhotakota, Lilongwe, Zomba, and Blantyre.

This ToT was grounded in real needs. We first conducted digital security assessments, then developed training content informed by the key findings, and delivered practical sessions focused on building skills that participants can immediately apply, and also cascade within their organisations and networks.

Digital safety and security matters more than ever for CSOs, especially in an environment of shrinking civic space and growing surveillance risks, and as organisations increasingly rely on social media and digital tools for advocacy, mobilisation, service delivery, and partner coordination. Strengthening everyday digital practices helps protect staff, communities, sensitive information, and the continuity of programmes.

To strengthen continuity beyond the workshop, we have developed the Connect Defend Act mobile learning application (with a linked web/admin platform), bringing learning to participants’ fingertips, so they can learn anytime on their phones, complete modules, and take quizzes/exercises to gauge understanding. The app is currently in closed testing on Google Play Store.

We sincerely acknowledge the Connect Defend Act Project under Hivos, made possible through funding support from NORAD, for the partnership and support that enabled this work. We also thank all participating CSOs for their energy, openness, and commitment to strengthening digital resilience in their day-to-day work.

#Connect Defend Act (CDA) #Hivos #DigitalSafety #CSOs #TrainingOfTrainers #CapacityBuilding
#CybersecurityAwareness #DigitalResilience #Malawi