NEXOR’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS ARE CYBER CHAMPIONS

 July 2011

Colin Powers and Alex Green, two of Nexor’s young graduate software engineers, have enthusiastically volunteered to support the new national Cyber Champions initiative , a community give-back scheme designed to teach school children how to be safe on-line.

Cyber Champions is a YPNGlobal initiative with many partner organisations including Intellect. Colin and Alex first heard about the scheme at an Intellect Young Professionals’ Network (IYPN) event and were keen to get involved. They were delighted to attend the scheme’s official launch at the House of Commons on 16th June, with the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, and provide a short testimonial speech. Anu Khurmi of IBM, sponsor and mentor for IYPN, thanked them for their “fantastic support for the event” and commented they had been “outstanding young professionals”.

Prior to the launch, Alex and Colin had given their first presentation on 7th June at The St. Marylebone C.E. School to a group of year 7s. The children were very participative – asking questions and generating much lively and energetic debate – and the school was highly appreciative. More presentations are planned.

On behalf of Nexor, Stephen Kingan, Chief Executive Officer stated: “We have no hesitation in supporting this exceptional programme that we are confident will contribute to the safety of children and to their ability to use technology sensibly as they grow up, enhancing their personal and professional lives without putting them at risk of harm. We are proud of Colin’s and Alex’s involvement.”

Alex comments: “Cyber Champions is an excellent initiative, which for me seems to fill a gap in the way people, children especially, treat their online lives differently to their lives in the “real world”. The internet offers a wealth of possibilities, which everyone should be encouraged to explore, but a little education can go a long way in ensuring that we all stay safe online.

“I feel privileged to be involved in the Cyber Champions initiative, and the launch event proved to me just how important what we are doing is. Hearing the amount of praise we received from companies working to end child exploitation online, as well as the excellent feedback from students who have already been involved in sessions, was quite moving.”

Colin adds: “I volunteered for the Cyber Champions initiative as soon as I heard about it. Staying safe online is difficult – I know many people my age who struggle with their Facebook privacy settings. But it’s children who have to worry about future employers and university placements – and I’m delighted to be part of something that teaches kids to keep safe and protect their futures by really thinking about what they put online.”