Enhancing digital literacy in rural Georgian communities with EU support
On 21-22 December, the pilot digital skills training sessions of the EU-funded project “Rural Empowerment through Digital Inclusion” (REDI) for nearly 50 local people were held in Ozurgeti, Guria, and on 22 December in Ambrolauri, Racha and Baghdati, Imereti, in Georgia.
The EU-funded REDI project is dedicated to enhancing digital literacy, bridging the digital gap between rural and urban areas, and empowering local communities in the Imereti, Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi – Kvemo Svaneti, and Kakheti regions. Over the upcoming three years, the project plans to conduct over 200 training events to reach individuals throughout these regions.
As the European Union (EU) is continuously committed to supporting Georgian people in improving their quality of life by better accessing digital services and navigating the digital world safely, the project equips participants with essential digital skills, including using browsers, search engines, email, social media, and online services. Attendees will also explore the benefits of a digital life, such as accessing work and learning opportunities, and gain insights into using open tools and digital marketing.
“We are working hand-in-hand with the Georgian experts and communities to break down barriers and unlock digital opportunities to improve lives in rural areas,” said Margus Sarapuu, the project lead. “Community-based training has proven to be a highly effective approach.”
The training also emphasises online safety, helping participants understand how to protect themselves and their personal information in the digital world. The trainings are delivered by local trainers, enabling them to tailor the content to their communities’ specific needs and interests.
In June 2024, the project experts visited Georgia’s Guria region to assess digital awareness and inclusion, engaging with over 120 local community members, SMEs, and civil society organisations across eight villages. They also conducted a workshop with local trainers to explore practical digital skills training models tailored to the community’s needs.
REDI is funded by the European Union and implemented by the e-Governance Academy (eGA) and Solidarity Fund Poland (SFPL). The project, running until 2027, aims to bridge the digital divide by enhancing digital literacy, developing skills, and improving connectivity to empower local communities.
While eGA focuses on advancing digital skills through training programs, SFPL is working to create public access points to improve connectivity.
This announcement’s contents are the sole responsibility of the e-Governance Academy (eGA) and Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Georgia and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
The pilot digital skills training session in Ozurgeti TechPark.