MASK NextGen introduces gamified cybersecurity training to empower Telangana students

Designed as a 36-hour certification course spread across three months, the initiative blends technology education with interactive learning methods, preparing students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

The first phase of the program has already seen enthusiastic participation from students across multiple institutions.

More than 100 students, each from Little Flower Degree College, Uppal, the girls’ school of the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society at Bahadurpura, and the College of Journalism at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), completed the Cyber Security and AI Internship. While the three-month certification courses were conducted at Little Flower Degree College and TMREIS Bahadurpura, a one-day intensive workshop was organised at the College of Journalism at MANUU.

Founder and CEO of MASK NextGen, Avni Trivedi, personally interacted with students and distributed certificates to the participants.

As part of the initiative to expand the program, she also met Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, Little Flower Degree College Director Rev. Bro. John Kallarackal, and Dean of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at MANUU, Prof. Ehtesham Ahmed Khan, to discuss scaling up the training program to benefit a larger student community.

What makes the program stand out is its gamified approach to digital learning.

Complex topics such as cyber threats, online scams, cyberbullying and AI ethics are explained through storytelling, interactive games and real-life case studies.

Characters such as Captain Fish Hook and TK Troll King help younger students understand concepts like privacy, safe gaming and digital hygiene engagingly.

Speaking about the initiative, Avni Trivedi said, “Children today are growing up in a deeply connected digital world where technology shapes their learning, communication and opportunities. Our goal is to equip them not only with cybersecurity knowledge but also with digital responsibility, critical thinking and ethical awareness so that they can confidently navigate the online space, identify risks early and become responsible digital citizens of the future.”

Global partner Joseph Christopher, associated with the initiative, said the program aims to build digital resilience among young learners.

In the next phase, MASK NextGen also plans to provide computers and laptops to several institutions free of cost to enrol more students and expand the reach of this digital literacy movement across Telangana.