In a World where the internet is both a learning hub and a danger zone, a Kenyan publisher is turning to the oldest tool in African culture storytelling to prepare young people for safe digital futures.

For the past two years, Storymoja’s Redhot imprint has partnered with META’s My Digital World Program to champion online safety through African stories. Their initiative has already reached more than 120 schools, sparking conversations among students about cyber bullying, misinformation, and responsible digital citizenship.

The journey began with the anthology Deception and Other Stories, a collection featuring voices from across Africa. Schools used the book to launch reading clubs, where students not only explored the stories but also unpacked real-life digital dilemmas.

What started as simple reading sessions grew into platforms for debate, collaboration, and creativity. The momentum led to the Online Safety Code Challenge, where learners drafted their own online safety codes for schools and peers.

“The initiative is about raising a generation that is not only digitally literate but also responsible, critical thinkers who can thrive in a connected world,” said Linda Were, Editor-in-Chief at Redhot.

META, through its regional digital literacy program, sees the project as a vital intervention. “This initiative is dedicated to empowering students and advancing our mission to provide valuable resources to students, educators, and guardians,” said Phil Oduor, META’s Head of Policy Programs for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Winners of the challenge will be unveiled at the Nairobi International Book Fair this Friday, alongside a new Pan-African anthology of digital stories. This second collection expands the campaign’s reach, ensuring more students engage with relatable narratives while learning practical online safety skills.

With young Africans forming the largest share of new internet users globally, blending storytelling and digital literacy offers a solution tailored to the continent’s realities. The Redhot META partnership demonstrates how culture and technology can merge to secure the next generation’s digital journey.