Open Studio: we leave no one out

WHY?
Education, health, administration, shopping, banking, “we” do everything online. “We”? By 2022, at least half of Belgians have not jumped on the digital train. No internet connection? No computer equipment? Lack of skills? Our OCRs (Public Computer Rooms) make sure no one is left out.

HOW?
A dozen PCs, an internet connection, the ability to print and scan, two animators to help you. From 16 to 18 hours, 3 to 4 times a week in Anderlecht and Molenbeek, two places where the digital divide is high (people with low incomes or low qualifications). 100 people signed up in 2022. They came to read their e-mails, ask for help using their smartphone, create an it’s me account, consult job vacancies, and much more. For a small fee, everyone is welcome. The aim is to help these people in their efforts and guide them towards greater autonomy. They can also take computer training or initiation tailored to their needs there. The Maks asbl OCRs are among the 18 OCRs approved by the Brussels Capital Region.

Bianca, cleaning lady:
“Every week I receive my work schedules by e-mail. I consult them on Thursdays after work.”

EMPOWER YOUR MESSAGE AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE
Professional and vocational ICT training strengthens the jobseekers’ position on the labour market. That is why Actiris gives jobseekers an ICT cheque. They can cash this at Maks vzw and follow free one-week training courses.

“I have watched so many tutorials but feel lost and put off by the complexity. I manage with basic knowledge which leads to more work and less good results. Now I can ask my questions directly, removing blockages and keeping my creative ideas clear and innovative. With this I can go on for years”

They can reorient themselves, others expand their knowledge that they often obtained through self-study or experience that was not used optimally. They find new functions and applications through targeted exercises and examples. Learning in a small group with personal guidance is a great advantage. Reaching those interested is a big challenge for Maks vzw. Actiris does not systematically address jobseekers about the possibility of ICT vouchers. A missed opportunity for many.
Participants testify about this.

“Had I known this earlier it could have given so much more to my projects”.

The courses are aimed at jobseekers and working people who want to give a professional look to online content. This content is multi-sided: text documents, photos, videos, 3D models, promotional material, print, digital, social-media posts, websites…