“So necessary for people of my generation. We mostly feel lost in all this computer stuff!”-Learner
The project's main goal was to enhance digital skills for individuals who face barriers to accessing technology and online services. By providing free, one-to-one digital literacy sessions in four libraries in County Wicklow, the project empowered participants with essential skills.
The project took place in four library locations across County Wicklow, including Arklow, Blessington, Greystones, and Wicklow Town. Tutors ran one-to-one sessions at each location for seven hours per week over eight weeks between September and December 2024.
230 participants attended 311 one-to-one sessions, confirming strong demand for the programme.
Participants learnt how to:
access government services online,
access online shopping and motor tax,
download and manage photos and documents, and
sending emails.
The project targeted older adults, long-term unemployed individuals, people with disabilities, and migrants. It ensured that those most at risk of digital exclusion had access to personalised support.
One-to-one learning created a supportive environment, which helped reduce stigma around digital learning.
The project reduced digital exclusion and helped participants gain confidence in using digital tools for daily life.
This project was a highly successful collaborative initiative. It demonstrates the value of accessible digital literacy programmes and serves as a model for future projects throughout the country.
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Digilit stand in Blessington Library
“The tutor was very easy to talk to and made me feel very comfortable and at ease.”- Learner
This project was a collaboration between Wicklow County Council Library Service and Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
For more information about the project, please contact Deirdre Gallagher, Regional Literacy Coordinator in Kildare and Wicklow ETB, at deirdregallagher@kwetb.ie
The Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports projects for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and projects that support organisations to be literacy friendly. The closing date for 2024 applications has now passed but keep an eye out for information on our 2025 fund which will be launched in December.
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