Safer Internet Day 2026: Ncell Foundation launches Safer Internet Together initiative

KATHMANDU: Marking Safer Internet Day 2026, Ncell Foundation and NAASA Securities jointly announced the launch of a nationwide project — Safer Internet Together (SIT). This social initiative aims to reach schools across the country to raise awareness and impart knowledge on cybersecurity, data privacy, and other aspects of digital safety to more than 50,000 beneficiaries, including students, educators, and community members.

Launched as a polit project, under this initiative awareness sessions will be conducted in government/community-run and private schools across Bagmati, Gandaki, and Madhesh provinces, focusing on students from grades 3 to 12.

As part of the programme, a specially curated physical handbook on internet safety has also been developed and will be distributed to participating students in respective schools. Post successful implementation of the project in these 3 provinces, the plan is to scale this project to remaining other provinces in next fiscal year.

This year, Safer Internet Day is being observed worldwide under the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices: exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.’ The launch of the initiative was announced during a SIT session held at Shree Rastriya Secondary School in Pokhara on Tuesday, where Ncell CEO Michael Foley addressed students, sharing insights on digital safety and the responsible use of AI in today’s digital age.
The SIT initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive digital ecosystem in Nepal.

“I am also a dad, and personal data is important for me as a parent too. Thus, this internet plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. With technology becoming an integral part of our daily lives it is, hence, very important to understand the risks and be prepared as well.

Through this SIT programme, we aim to empower students and young people with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and confidently. I am truly hopeful that this initiative will equip the next generation with the guidance and tools required to make the most of a connected future, while staying protected along the way,” Ncell Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley said.

This collaborative initiative positions the organisations as responsible digital enablers, proactively addressing emerging risks while contributing to digital literacy, resilience, and trust in the broader digital ecosystem.
“As digital platforms increasingly shape how young people learn, communicate, and make decisions, ensuring their safety online has become a shared responsibility. At NAASA Securities, we strongly believe that digital literacy and cyber awareness are as important as financial literacy in today’s world.

Through our collaboration with Ncell Foundation on the Safer Internet Together initiative, we aim to equip students with practical knowledge to use technology responsibly, protect their digital footprint, and build confidence in navigating the digital ecosystem safely. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to responsible digital empowerment and community development across Nepal,” said Madan Paudyal, Managing Director of NAASA Securities.

So far, SIT sessions have been conducted in nine schools—Shree Rastriya Secondary School, Shree Amar Singh Secondary School, Little Step Secondary School, Bhaskar Memorial School, and Rainbow Academic Homes Secondary School all in Kaski, along with St. Mary’s School (Lalitpur), Bani Bilas High School (Lalitpur), and Adarsha High School (Bhaktapur)with support from the implementing partner, Asterisk Technology. These sessions have benefited more than 7,000 students.