eGA’s cyber hygiene training programme won award in Kyrgyzstan

The e-Governance Academy’s (eGA) train-the-trainer approach to raising cyber hygiene awareness has been recognised in the “Best Project for Raising Awareness” category at the Data Protection Forum 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Through the EU-funded Global Gateway’s project, 18 local trainers have shared essential cyber hygiene knowledge with 7,800 people across Kyrgyzstan.

Implemented by eGA in cooperation with the Kyrgyz State Agency for Personal Data Protection, the country-wide cyber hygiene trainings aim to improve cybersecurity awareness and encourage safer digital practices among citizens, including those living in regions with limited access to cybersecurity education.

“By training local trainers, we build expertise that stays in communities, reaches more people and keeps cybersecurity awareness growing beyond the project. This recognition highlights our successful cooperation with partners in Kyrgyzstan,” said Merle Maigre, project team lead and Head of the Cybersecurity Competence Centre at eGA.

Following the train-the-trainer approach, the training programme combined practical cyber hygiene and online safety skills with methods for delivering effective awareness-raising activities. Participants gained skills  and study materials about essential cybersecurity practices, learner-centred training design and communication strategies that encourage behaviour change.

As the next step, eGA supported the 18 Kyrgyz trainers to set up awareness-raising training sessions across Kyrgyzstan, reaching 7,800 people. This approach helps ensure that cybersecurity knowledge reaches a wider audience and can be shared continuously within local communities.

The programme was developed and delivered with the contribution of eGA experts Kristi Kivilo, Rica Williams, Triinu Raigna, Mukhabbat Beknazarova and Merle Maigre, working closely with experts of the the Kyrgyz State Agency for Personal Data Protection.

Cyber hygiene awareness raising is part of the EU-funded Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity in Central Asia. The initiative supports secure and inclusive digital connectivity and strengthens cybersecurity capabilities across the region.