Recap of the network meeting in Budaörs & Banská Bystrica

The second Core Network Meeting of the Agents of Co-Existence (AoCE) network took place from 4th March 2024 to 7th March 2024. Due to the close geographical proximity of Budaörs (Hungary) and Banská Bystrica (Slovakia) we were able to organise another joint transnational meeting – and again minimising our ecological footprint – consisting of visits of these two lovely cities, located at the heart of (Central) Europe.

Green light!

Same Journey; new stages…

As I write this, I’ve just changed trains - moving to the next phase of a journey to another country in Europe. Whilst this current train journey is not related to the Digi-Inclusion project, that is a very different situation to the months before the New Year, when Digi-Inclusion travel was pretty much all I knew!

The initial period of any URBACT project is an intense yet rewarding experience, and that time last year was no exception – getting to see first-hand the starting point of all our nine project partners in the network, visiting each one in turn to meet their municipal teams, local stakeholders and partners, and to get a sense of the place and it’s local context.

Transnational meeting on employment of the WELDI project by Fundão, Portugal

Transnational meeting on employment of the WELDI project by Fundão, Portugal 

WELDI’s second transnational meeting took place online and was organized by the city of Fundão. Fundão has a rich history influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Its development is linked to agriculture, crafts and other local economic activities. This first thematic meeting addressed the subject of employment for newcomers. This is an essential aspect of the project, and one in which Fundão has a great deal of experience.

Promoting Digital Inclusion: “Pla de Barris” Initiative in Mollet de Vallès

In an era in which digital literacy is indispensable for social inclusion and participation, Mollet de Vallès City Council, Lead Partner of DIGI-INCLUSION network, has taken a significant stride in bridging the digital divide through the implementation of "Pla de Barris" initiative. This endeavor, harmonized with the broader activities of the DIGI-INCLUSION network, seeks to equip citizens with basic digital skills, fostering autonomy and engagement in the digital realm. 

Building a Digital Community House: Bridging Generational Gaps through Digital Volunteer Initiatives

During the first partner meeting in Mollet del Vallès, our DIGI-INCLUSION network Italian partner, Lepida, shared a good practice about a training project on soft skills involving students and elderly, which involves IIS Belluzzi Fioravanti, a high school in Bologna, and Centro Antartide, an organization promoting social innovation in partnership with the Local Health Authority of Bologna.

In an effort to promote digital inclusion and connect generations, volunteers have come together to create a unique initiative known as "Let's Build a Digital Community House." This project, carried out in various locations, including the Croce del Biacco house in the Graf San Donato neighborhood, a senior center near a school, the Aula Falcone and Borsellino in Borgo Panigale, and the Tassinari room in the Municipality headquarters, demonstrates the power of local-level communication and actuation.

The initiative encompasses two main modalities: the Digital Support and Digital Practice Group. During these sessions, volunteers assist elderly individuals in resolving their technological doubts, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Inspiring Volunteer Programme for Knowledge in Mollet del Vallès

During the first in person partner meeting in Mollet del Vallès, our DIGI-INCLUSION network Lead partner, Mollet del Vallès city council, presented their good practice about promoting social participation of the elderly in the municipality. 
 

A group of dedicated elderly volunteers is making a significant impact on the community by actively participating in a unique initiative known as the Volunteer Programme for Knowledge. At the forefront of this commendable effort stand individuals like Antonio Miravalls, whose transformative journey from student to teacher exemplifies the success of this program in reducing the digital divide among seniors.