REDI: Rural Empowerment through Digital Inclusion 

The overarching goal of this project is to diminish the existing digital divide in Georgia by improving access to affordable digital infrastructure and developing digital literacy skills in rural areas. Particularly in the regions of Imereti, Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and Kakheti.

This involves enhancing access to affordable digital infrastructure and developing digital literacy skills in approximately 200 villages, focusing on areas often overlooked due to small population sizes. 

The 5 million EU-backed project is a joint venture involving eGA and Solidarity Fund Poland (SFPL). SFPL’s contribution includes installing free Internet access points in target villages like shops and Digital Rural Hubs (DRH), along with providing training for DRH representatives. 

eGA`s  key activities include: 

• Conducting follow-up reviews to deepen understanding of the current digital capacities and gaps in rural communities. 
• Designing a delivery plan and outreach strategy for extensive stakeholder engagement (small and medium-sized enterprises – SMEs, vulnerable groups, etc.). 
• Implementing training programs involving civil society organizations (CSO) and a train-the-trainers approach. 
• Assisting local self-governments (LSGs) in developing and testing digital engagement initiatives and inclusion guidelines.
• Supporting local CSOs, grassroots movements, individual entrepreneurs, and SMEs as main agents of digital inclusion for citizens.