As part of the “Youth Digital Democracy Accelerator” project, five inspiring workshops were held with the aim of educating participants about key aspects of the digital society. The focus was on digital citizenship, the development of digital skills, raising awareness about the risks and potential of digital activism, as well as the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence. Each workshop concluded with a quiz on the topic covered, and the most successful participants were rewarded with the opportunity to take part in study exchanges in Spain (Oviedo) and Serbia (Belgrade).
First Workshop – Digital Citizenship and Activism
In the first workshop, Bojan Perkov from SHARE Foundation introduced participants to the fundamentals of digital citizenship and activism. They discussed the technical and legal aspects of surveillance infrastructure, the threats faced by digital activists, and the misuse of technology to monitor journalists and activists. After the lecture, participants took part in a quiz, with the best participants qualifying for study visits.
Second Workshop – Cybersecurity
Participants were introduced to the basics of cybersecurity through a workshop led by Denis Reković, a network and server infrastructure manager. They learned how to identify and address cyber threats, protect data, and respond appropriately in case of an attack. The workshop concluded with a quiz, and the best participants secured their place in the study exchange programs in Spain and Serbia.
Third Workshop – Data Encryption
Online, during the third workshop, Mila Bajić from SHARE Foundation and Bojan Perkov explained key cybersecurity concepts, with a special focus on data encryption. Participants learned how encryption works and why it is important for information protection.
Fourth Workshop – Social Media and Privacy
In this workshop, Jakša Backović, a professor at the Mediterranean University, clarified what social media is, how it uses personal data, and how to protect privacy online. They discussed the dangers of careless sharing of information on the internet and the practical application of GDPR. Participants discussed artificial intelligence and data protection methods with the lecturer, and the best were selected for the study exchange in Spain.
Fifth Workshop – Freedom of Speech and Activism Online
The final online workshop was dedicated to freedom of speech on the internet, featuring a lecture by Milica Mutavdžićfrom the Belgrade Center for Human Rights. Participants were introduced to the “Loesje” website and its activities promoting freedom of expression. The final participants were selected through a quiz and will participate in the study exchange in Spain.
Through these workshops, participants not only honed their digital skills but also became responsible and engaged members of the digital society, ready to contribute to positive changes in their communities.
