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Digital Development Clubs (KRC) are free, municipal points where you can get or supplement basic digital skills. The initiative is financed from the European Funds program for social development 2021-2027 (Fers). Currently, in 40 communes from 14 provinces, the pilot phase of this undertaking is underway. Clubs are to help eliminate digital barriers and support people with difficult access to modern technologies in getting acquainted with them. In these points we will meet experienced educators who will lead, for example, workshops from the basics of computer skills or classes on installing and using mobile applications. At meetings with educators you will also be able to find out how to send an e-write to the office or use online messengers. Thanks to this, you will be able to learn freely from mobile devices, browse websites and use e-services.
Who are they and how do digital development clubs work for?
The initiative is addressed to all adults who do not feel confident in the digital world, including seniors and people with disabilities. It doesn’t matter if they are just starting their adventure with the computer or want to complete their current skills. All classes in KRC are completely free. The host of such a club can be a local cultural institution, a library or a social welfare center, which provides rooms equipped with computers with internet access for the needs of classes.
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Stages of the implementation of the project
Creating digital development clubs was divided into two stages: pilot and scaling. In addition, the so -called Supporting project, which consists of, among others on the preparation of educational materials and training educators who will then conduct classes in clubs. In phase pilot 40 selected municipalities will test the assumed support models in created KRC, collecting opinions of participants regarding the implemented educational offer. It is also a time to check which of the topics raised in class are the most useful for participants. Second stage, scalingis expected to start in 2026 and significantly expand the network of clubs throughout the country. Ultimately, thanks to the activities of KRC, 370 thousand Adults will win or increase the level of their digital competences.
The first pilot points have already started their activity. An example is KRC in Swarzędz.
Clubs in practice
It was in this city, in March this year, that was built, which was equipped with modern computer equipment. Educators regularly organize workshops during which participants learn to use e-administration-i.e. perform official activities via the Internet-and support messengers, banking applications and social networking sites. Seniors receive support when you create an e-mail account and configure mobile payments. In addition, there is an individual consultation zone, where everyone can report their needs, for example, learning to use graphic programs or filling out online documents to the office. Thanks to this, the inhabitants of Swarzędz gain confidence in using the digital world and learn new opportunities that technologies give in everyday life.
An opportunity to “tame” technology
The permanent presence of the Digital Development Club in a given town will allow residents to discover the advantages, but also the dangers of the online world. Participants of the offered forms of support will not only learn to use mobile devices, but also learn about network security rules. They will learn how to protect personal data, recognize fraud attempts or avoid dangerous websites. This is especially important at a time when more and more official matters – we do online. The possibility of more efficient and safer communication and cooperation with residents can be an additional incentive for the municipal authorities to create such places. We will all benefit from wide digital education. It is worth ensuring that the digital world makes everyday life easier for us, our loved ones or neighbors.
