Networks and cities' news

WELDI Project's First Transnational Meeting in Osijek, Croatia

WELDI’s  first transnational meeting took place on 15 and 16 November 2023 in the picturesque city of Osijek, fourth largest city in Croatia, that is nestled within the Pannonian Basin on the right bank of the Drava River. The gathering served as a platform for partner cities to share experiences and challenges with regard to migrant rights, and discuss the baseline study and roadmap drawn up by our expert: Dirk Gebhardt.

In this article, we will talk about this transnational meeting and what it involved, both in terms of planning WELDI’s work plan and in gaining insight into the work of the host city Osijek.

Transnational meeting on employment of the WELDI project by Fundão, Portugal

WELDI’s second transnational meeting took place online and was organized by the city of Fundão. Fundão has a rich history influenced by various cultures over the centuries. Its development is linked to agriculture, crafts and other local economic activities. This first thematic meeting addressed the subject of employment for newcomers. This is an essential aspect of the project, and one in which Fundão has a great deal of experience.

Bridging the Digital Divide: The Inspiring Volunteer Programme for Knowledge in Mollet del Vallès

During the first in person partner meeting in Mollet del Vallès, our DIGI-INCLUSION network Lead partner, Mollet del Vallès city council, presented their good practice about promoting social participation of the elderly in the municipality. 
 

A group of dedicated elderly volunteers is making a significant impact on the community by actively participating in a unique initiative known as the Volunteer Programme for Knowledge. At the forefront of this commendable effort stand individuals like Antonio Miravalls, whose transformative journey from student to teacher exemplifies the success of this program in reducing the digital divide among seniors. 

Building a Digital Community House: Bridging Generational Gaps through Digital Volunteer Initiatives

During the first partner meeting in Mollet del Vallès, our DIGI-INCLUSION network Italian partner, Lepida, shared a good practice about a training project on soft skills involving students and elderly, which involves IIS Belluzzi Fioravanti, a high school in Bologna, and Centro Antartide, an organization promoting social innovation in partnership with the Local Health Authority of Bologna.

In an effort to promote digital inclusion and connect generations, volunteers have come together to create a unique initiative known as "Let's Build a Digital Community House." This project, carried out in various locations, including the Croce del Biacco house in the Graf San Donato neighborhood, a senior center near a school, the Aula Falcone and Borsellino in Borgo Panigale, and the Tassinari room in the Municipality headquarters, demonstrates the power of local-level communication and actuation.

The initiative encompasses two main modalities: the Digital Support and Digital Practice Group. During these sessions, volunteers assist elderly individuals in resolving their technological doubts, empowering them to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Promoting Digital Inclusion: “Pla de Barris” Initiative in Mollet de Vallès

In an era in which digital literacy is indispensable for social inclusion and participation, Mollet de Vallès City Council, Lead Partner of DIGI-INCLUSION network, has taken a significant stride in bridging the digital divide through the implementation of "Pla de Barris" initiative. This endeavor, harmonized with the broader activities of the DIGI-INCLUSION network, seeks to equip citizens with basic digital skills, fostering autonomy and engagement in the digital realm. 

URBACT Local Group (ULG) Meetings: Fostering Collaboration and Digital Inclusion

In the realm of urban development, fostering collaboration and inclusivity is paramount to crafting effective strategies for growth and innovation. Within the DIGI-INCLUSION network, and indeed across all Integrated Action Plan networks of the URBACT program, URBACT Local Groups (ULG) emerge as linchpins for co-producing city strategies and Action Plans. The primary aim of the ULG is to convene various stakeholders, each with their own interests and viewpoints, to identify issues, establish policy priorities, and devise practical solutions in the most effective manner possible, using the Problem Tree method – to systematically identify and analyze the root causes of issues -. So far, there are two remarkable experiences by our DIGI-INCLUSION network partners: Gdańsk Entrepreneurship Foundation (Poland) and Jelgava Local Municipality (Latvia), where ULG meetings have catalyzed transformative change and paved the way for a more digitally inclusive future.