SafeCyberEdu – Cybersecurity Training for Teachers
Overview
SmartUp designed and delivered SafeCyberEdu, a national cybersecurity training programme equipping teachers across North Macedonia to navigate the digital environment safely and protect their students online. Drawing on its experience running EduLab — SmartUp's own e-learning platform for educators — SmartUp developed a comprehensive online cybersecurity course covering cyber threats, online privacy, digital rights, and responsible digital citizenship, complemented by large-scale awareness webinars.
The programme engaged over 1,050 educators in the course, with more than 680 completing the training, while two national webinars reached approximately 3,000 teachers, parents, and caregivers. The course remains freely available on EduLab, giving educators a permanent professional development resource well beyond the project's end — one of several national-scale courses SmartUp has built and hosted on the platform for education partners in North Macedonia.
The challenge
Limited awareness and understanding among teachers of cybersecurity threats and practical measures for protecting themselves and their students online.
Insufficient knowledge of digital rights, online privacy, and safe online communication within the education sector.
The need for sustainable and accessible professional development opportunities that enable educators to continuously strengthen their digital competencies.
Activities and methods
1. Developed and launched a comprehensive online cybersecurity course for teachers on the EduLab platform, providing free and ongoing access to high-quality learning resources.
2. Engaged more than 1,050 educators in the course, with over 680 participants successfully completing the training.
3. Organized two large-scale webinars on cybersecurity awareness, reaching approximately 3,000 teachers, parents, and caregivers.
4. Strengthened the capacity of SmartUp Ambassadors and other education stakeholders to promote cybersecurity awareness and digital safety practices.
5. Established partnerships and networks that support the continued dissemination of cybersecurity knowledge within the education community.
Impact and learning
SafeCyberEdu strengthened the digital competencies of educators across North Macedonia by providing accessible and practical cybersecurity training through the EduLab platform. The project helped teachers better understand cyber threats, online privacy, digital rights, and responsible online behaviour, enabling them to create safer digital learning environments for themselves and their students.
Through the online course and accompanying webinars, the project reached thousands of educators, parents, and caregivers, raising awareness of cybersecurity and promoting a culture of online safety. By ensuring the long-term availability of the course on EduLab, SafeCyberEdu created a sustainable learning resource that continues to support educators in developing essential digital skills and responding to emerging online challenges.
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