Digitalna.hr project – ideas, implementation and activities for integrating vulnerable groups into the digital society

Abstract

Digital literacy is important in many areas of life, such as remote working, using public services on the Internet, communication, buying goods and services, education, participation in political and cultural events, entertainment and leisure. Digital literacy enhances employability of young people in the global labour market. It can reduce financial insecurity and increase access to information, finding advice and support. Digital literacy is also important for the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups because it enables equal participation in society, independent living, working, and reduces the risk of social isolation. Some of the goals of the Digital Literacy Development Network and the key goal of the working group for Digital Citizenship are digital inclusion of individuals from all age groups, improved quality of life and empowerment through digital technologies. In this paper, initial chapters describe the benefits of digital technologies and the Internet for vulnerable groups. The paper continues with a presentation of the basic idea, implementation and work of the Digital Literacy Development Network as part of the Digitalna.hr project. In this paper, the emphasis is on the description and implementation of the activities of the working group for Digital Citizenship, which deals with public opinion polls and the needs of digital inclusion of vulnerable groups and areas. The paper ends with recommendations for creating guidelines for national, regional and local decision makers. Once created, these guidelines can be used in future strategic documents with the purpose of actively including a particular population group in the digital society.