Civil society organizations working in East and Southeast Asia now have an opportunity to strengthen their digital security and protection practices through the Young Tech Collective (YTC) – Digital Protection Accompaniment Program. The initiative is organized by the ifa Foundation and aims to support organizations that face increasing digital risks while carrying out their advocacy and community work. Through a structured learning and mentoring process, the program helps participating organizations build stronger digital protection strategies, improve cybersecurity awareness, and develop sustainable practices that safeguard their teams, data, and communities. What the Young Tech Collective Program Offers The Young Tech Collective (YTC) is designed as a four-month accompaniment program that combines training, mentoring, and peer learning. Selected organizations will receive hands-on support to strengthen their digital resilience and adapt to the growing challenges of online security and digital threats. Participants will engage in a collaborative learning environment where they can exchange experiences with other civil society organizations facing similar digital challenges. This approach encourages practical solutions and builds a supportive network of organizations committed to safer digital practices. The program focuses on helping organizations: Strengthen digital protection and cybersecurity practices Develop strategies to protect sensitive information and communications Improve awareness of digital risks and online threats Build internal capacity for sustainable digital safety policies Share experiences and solutions with peer organizations By combining technical guidance with collaborative learning, the program aims to empower civil society groups to operate more safely in increasingly digital environments. Who Can Apply The program is open to civil society organizations operating in East and Southeast Asia. These may include: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Advocacy groups Community-based organizations Social justice and human rights organizations Civil society networks working on public interest issues Organizations that rely heavily on digital tools for communication, advocacy, and community engagement are particularly encouraged to apply, as the program focuses on strengthening digital protection practices in these areas. Program Structure The four-month accompaniment process is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance. The program includes several key components: Training Sessions Participants will receive structured training on digital protection strategies, cybersecurity fundamentals, and risk management. These sessions aim to help organizations identify vulnerabilities and build stronger digital protection systems. Mentoring Support Each participating organization will benefit from mentoring support that provides personalized guidance tailored to their specific digital protection challenges and operational context. Peer Learning The program encourages collaboration between participating organizations, allowing them to share experiences, best practices, and practical solutions to common digital security challenges. This combination of learning formats ensures that organizations not only gain knowledge but also apply it directly to improve their internal systems and processes. Why Digital Protection Matters for Civil Society Civil society organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms to coordinate activities, communicate with communities, and advocate for social change. However, this growing digital presence also exposes organizations to various risks, including: Data breaches Surveillance and monitoring Online harassment and cyberattacks Unauthorized access to sensitive information Programs like the Young Tech Collective help organizations build stronger defenses against these threats while maintaining safe and secure communication channels. Strengthening digital protection practices is essential not only for organizational safety but also for protecting the communities and individuals that civil society groups serve. Building a Safer Digital Future By supporting organizations through training, mentorship, and collaborative learning, the Young Tech Collective – Digital Protection Accompaniment Program aims to build a stronger network of digitally resilient civil society organizations across East and Southeast Asia. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that digital security is a critical component of effective civil society work, particularly in regions where organizations operate in complex and rapidly evolving digital environments. For civil society organizations seeking to improve their digital protection systems and strengthen their capacity to navigate online risks, the Young Tech Collective program offers a valuable opportunity for learning, collaboration, and long-term resilience. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.