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New library at Muinkschelde canal
New library at Muinkschelde canal - © Ted McGrath (https://www.flickr.com/photos/time-to-look/43976699604)

Digitaal.Talent@Gent

Status
ongoing
50%
City

Ghent

Main actors

City Government, Private Sector, Public Utility

Project area

Whole City/Administrative Region

Duration

Ongoing since 2006

Collaborating with public libraries to unlock the digital potential of citizens.

Digitaal.Talent@Gent is a strategic programme that develops and implements digital projects and activities in order to achieve e-inclusion in a sustainable way. The innovative and sustainable approach of Digitaal.Talent@Gent boosts digital access, skills and participation of all citizens. By working in both formal and informal education fields, together with many local stakeholders Digitaal.Talent@Gent  builds bridges and promotes life-long learning.

This case study was contributed from the Digital Skills Map: https://digiskillsmap.com/en

For further information about the case study, click here.

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all agesEnsure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for allAchieve gender equality and empower all women and girlsBuild resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovationReduce inequality within and among countriesPromote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
City
Ghent, Belgium
Size and population development
The city of Ghent recorded a population of 260,341 in the 2018 census, a + 0.87 change since 2015. The city covers a total area of 156.18km2 with a population density of 1,679 people per km2.
Population composition
The 2018 data shows that the population comprises 50.1% females and 49.9% males. 67.1% of Ghent’s residents are aged between 15-64, 16.7% are aged 65 or over and 16.2% of residents are children aged 0-14. The official language of Ghent is Dutch, sometimes colloquially referred to as Flemish. Ghent has a large number of immigrants, largely from Turkey, Africa (North and sub-Saharan), Asia and Eastern Europe. Projections indicate that Ghent will become a majority-minoirty city by 2040. Ghent hosts a variety of religious communities as well as a large number of atheists and agnostics. Roman Catholicism is the religion with the largest followers, minority faiths include Anglicanism, Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, Sikhism and Buddhism.
Main functions
Ghent is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province and the second largest municipality in Belgium after Antwerp. The city lies at the junction of the Lys and Scheldt rivers.
Main industries / business
The port of Ghent, in the north of the city, is the third largest port of Belgium. The port houses many large companies including automotive giant’s - Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Parks and Honda. Ghent’s other significant economic activities include oil refining and banking, the manufacture of paper, chemicals, and light machinery, horticulture and market gardens and education. Tourism-related businesses are increasingly playing an important role in the local economy, as the density of historic sites renders Ghent an attractive tourist destination.
Sources for city budget
The City of Ghent draws its budget for public expenditure largely from property tax, fees, fines, operating revenues and subsidies from national government of Finland.
Political structure
Governing mayor and deputy mayors govern the city.
Administrative structure
Ghent City Council has 53 members, divided into seven political fractions, the members are directly elected by the citizens of Ghent.
Website
https://stad.gent/

The City of Ghent aims be a smart city with an open and inclusive culture. Therefore, it is vital that all citizens have access to digital technologies and the opportunity to develop digital skills.

In 2006 Digitaal.Talent@Gent  was launched to address the digital divide and projects were established that focused on e-inclusion. Together with local stakeholders, the aim of Digitaal.Talent@Gent is to provide access and knowledge to all citizens and make it possible for everyone to fully participate in the information and communication society of today. Through specifically focussing on the e-inclusion of disadvantaged neighbourhoods and digitally excluded groups the programme works simultaneously on digital and social inclusion.

Objectives include:

  1. Set out a common strategy;
  2. Encourage all to collaborate/participate;
  3. Keep the theme e-inclusion on the agenda;
  4. Support all through sustainable solutions;
  5. Dare to test out new ideas;
  6. Contribute through studies;
  7. Inform citizens in a uniform fashion;
  8. Help integrate policy over the various governmental levels (Local Digital Agenda)

A collaboration was set up with the public library whereby all citizens can go to the library to improve their digital skills; individual support on digital topics is provided at the ‘Digipunt’ information point, available in the local branches of the library. Beginners are welcome at the monthly Digicafé meetup and in the Digi-tastings and Digi-lesson workshops, participants gain insights into topics such as social media and the cloud.

The Digicafés are co-organised with Vormingplus and Leerpunt Basic Education Centre, two institutions that organise training and courses for people with limited education. The Digi-tasting and Digi-lessons are co-organised with the former institution. The maker workshops are given by NGO ‘De Creatieve STEM’; NGO Ateljee (training and social employment initiative) who provide individual support with computer use;

Children and young people in need of support with their homework using computers, are helped by a team of volunteers. Participation is free or at minimal cost. Digital homework support is co-organized with the Educational Centre of Ghent.

Moreover, citizens can also experiment with digital manufacturing technologies, including 3D printers, laser cutters, open-source hardware and programming tools in the ‘maker’ workshops.

Digitaal.Talent@Gent  uses a horizontal approach efficiently and works together with all city services, social welfare offices and all interested organizations.

Digitaal.Talent@Gent  is a collaboration between the City of Ghent, the Social Welfare Services, several local organizations and Digipolis, the coordinating ICT-partner.

Many citizens participate in the activities run by Digitaal.Talent@Gent in the public library. Feedback from citizens has been very positive although no formal evaluation is available of the project.

Digitaal.Talent@Gent is a best practice in Belgium and Europe (winner of the European Digital Skills Award 'Digital skills for all', 2017).

The main challenges for Digitaal.Talent@Gent  are:

  • continue to respond to changing needs and requirements of citizens and stakeholders.
  • continue to reach the most vulnerable groups and involve them in the programme.

Categories

External links / documents

Digital Skills MapDigitalents websiteFacebook: Digitalents

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