The Digital Literacy Program empowers participants of different backgrounds by helping them develop their digital skills for life and work and improve their social inclusion and employability. This program teaches marginalized people with social disadvantages, including parents with childcare needs, the relevant basic digital skills to promote integration, give them new perspectives and strengthen their social skills.
The Digital Literacy Program curriculum provides the essential set of skills, knowledge and attitudes to enable learners to use technologies confidently and critically to support social inclusion and boost employability. It is aligned with the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) and covers two levels to build the most adequate digital skill set for each learner:
- First level: “Computer skills for your everyday life” is addressed to learners with no or little experience with technology. The goal is to foster and gain confidence in using a computer, an email and the internet to accomplish everyday tasks and activities.
- Second level: “Computer skills for your professional start” addresses learners that already have some experience with computers and the internet but require to catch up and sharpen their skills to meet the demands of the current digital world and the workplace.
- Hands-on approach with industry professionals as trainers: all trainers are volunteers working in the tech industry. They teach with a learning-by-doing approach. They also offer a great connection to the industry for future employment opportunities.
- Hybrid learning model: ReDI’s campus and classrooms are equipped with advanced remote teaching technology and provide a welcoming environment to learners, their families and trainers. All students are provided with laptops, in case they do not have their own.
DLP ran from September 2022 to July 2023, in Munich and in North Rhine-Westaphalia campuses.
IMPACT OF TRAINING:
- 204 students graduated with over 86% attendance and final project
- 94% were female participants
- 91% learners improved their digital skills
BEST PRACTICES:
- A multicultural team fluent in the first languages of the beneficiaries (such as Arabic, Farsi, and Ukrainian) and German and English remain vital for the program’s success. A team fluent in different key languages enables effective communication. It fosters a deeper understanding of cultural similarities and differences, enhancing integration and learning. By creating an environment where a common language is spoken, and cultural differences are comprehended, we actively promote smoother integration processes and facilitate meaningful connections with our beneficiaries.
- A gender approach since most beneficiaries are women, with a substantial number of them being mothers to young children. It is imperative to design and implement initiatives that consider women’s unique needs and circumstances, ensuring their meaningful inclusion and empowerment within the program. By prioritising a gender-responsive approach, we can foster an environment that promotes equitable opportunities, addresses specific challenges faced by women, and enhances their overall participation and success in the digital world.
- Including insights and feedback provided by volunteer teachers are to shape the content of our training. As professionals, their firsthand experience and job-relevant competencies contribute significantly to keeping our content relevant and up-to-date for our learners. Their input ensures a better understanding of the job market and equips our learners with practical soft skills.
- Flexible courses combining online and in-person learning with accommodating schedules are vital for participant accessibility.
- Career services for digital beginners require increased capacity and resources to provide valuable support. In addition to career path guidance and job search assistance, integrating sessions on daily life activities and job readiness workshops for low-literate adults is essential.
If you want to learn more about the project, you can visit their website, or contact the Head of Digital Literacy Alejandra Ramirez at alejandra@redi-school.org.
Organisation:
Our partner ReDI School of Digital Integration is a non-profit tech school based in Germany (Berlin, Munich, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt), Denmark (Copenhagen, Aarhus), Sweden (Malmo) and Ethiopia (Addis Adeba). They teach digital skills for free to refugees, migrants and locals who do not have access to digital education or a professional network. In addition, ReDI School trains soft skills, connects its students with mentors, and organizes networking events with companies to help students start their careers. Their goal is to provide their students with valuable digital skills, a growth mindset, strengthened career skills and a strong network of tech professionals.