Digital Skills for Citizens

Ireland's Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment introduced the Getting Citizens Online Programme as part of the National Digital Strategy, including a grant scheme funding basic digital skills training for citizens who have never used the internet, replacing the earlier BenefIT Grant Scheme. ICS Foundation received €90,000 to deliver training throughout 2017 to ‘non-liners’ — groups such as the over-45s, farming communities, small business owners and disadvantaged groups — with the aim of removing barriers to digital adoption and helping citizens realise their social and economic potential online.

To provide the skills required to use computer functions that deliver immediate, tangible benefits — social networking, internet and email use, online shopping — giving communities the confidence and motivation to participate in an online environment.

Grantees delivered free 10-hour classroom courses (5 sessions of 2 hours) in community settings via local schools and training centres, covering two programmes: ‘Productive Use of Digital Skills’ (6 hours) and ‘Lifestyle Choices’ (4 hours). Course content drew on ECDL and EqualSkills modules plus in-house material. ICS Foundation paid centres €60 per person who completed the course and gave feedback, and supplied all training resources and a computer with internet connectivity for trainees.

Key learning point: reaching ‘non-liners’ is easier through local, community-based not-for-profit organisations delivering training in familiar settings, since target groups often feel digital technology ‘is not for them’ and need local, hand-holding support.