Digitaal.Talent@Gent
Status
ongoingCity
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
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:
- Set out a common strategy;
- Encourage all to collaborate/participate;
- Keep the theme e-inclusion on the agenda;
- Support all through sustainable solutions;
- Dare to test out new ideas;
- Contribute through studies;
- Inform citizens in a uniform fashion;
- 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.
Digital Skills Map website: https://digiskillsmap.com/en/projects/5cff81a517443d0057dddf9f
Digitalents website: www.digitaaltalent.be
External links / documents
Want to know more about this project?
Berlin, Germany
Digital Skills Map
Institution | Local know-how on digitalisation in vocational education and training