The project “Digilift for Vulnerable Brussels Residents” aims to reduce the digital divide in Brussels. It is a six-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2029, made possible by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The primary goal is to promote digital inclusion by disseminating methodologies and highlighting Public Digital Spaces (Espaces Publics Numériques – EPN) as resource centers for the digitally underserved, while also training the staff and volunteers at these centers.

Central to the project is the CABAN network – the Collective of Brussels Actors for Digital Accessibility – which brings together numerous Brussels EPNs and a wide range of organizations that work in various ways to provide digital support to citizens.

The partners in this project are:

• CABAN – Collectif des Acteurs Bruxellois de l’Accessibilité Numérique – www.caban.be
• FOBAGRA – Auberges numériques – www.fobagra.net
• ARC Cultures Bruxelles – and the “Public IT specialists” (Informaticiens Publics) – www.arc-culture-bruxelles.be
• Maks vzw – Media Actie Kuregem-Stad – www.maksvzw.org

Together, we are working on:

• Strengthening and promoting the CABAN network;
• Organizing outreach activities and public events in public spaces to reach vulnerable Brussels residents and guide them to the Public Digital Spaces (EPN).
• Promoting the network of ‘public digital scribes’ (Informaticiens Publics) to help citizens with complex on-line administrative procedures;
• Professional training for the employees and volunteers who assist people in the digital spaces: through targeted training and individual coaching;
• Sharing knowledge and experience within the CABAN network among mediators/animators – to strengthen their role as digital helpers (digihelpers);
• Developing innovative learning methods and toolkits tailored to the Brussels audience – to build resilience against rapid technological and digital developments (AI, online safety, digital well-being…).

The ultimate ambition of the “Digilift” project is to make vulnerable Brussels residents truly digitally self-reliant.

This includes people who struggle with reading and writing, seniors, newcomers, job seekers, and even (ex-)prisoners. Many of them find everyday digital tasks challenging, such as making online appointments, enrolling their children in school, or contacting government agencies.

We understand the fear and distrust people sometimes have towards technology. Therefore, we offer a low-threshold approach, where our experienced guides – often from similar backgrounds themselves – work with great patience and understanding. They speak the language of their target audience, both literally and figuratively.

Through personal support, group training, and peer-to-peer learning, we help people gradually develop their digital skills and solve specific digital problems. The goal is not only knowledge transfer but, most importantly, to build self-confidence and promote digital autonomy. In this way, “Digilift” contributes to a more inclusive and socially connected society in Brussels.