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Category Digital Inclusion

climbing towards digital empowerment
Digital Inclusion , Empowering Futures

Play, Participation, and Power: Why Gaming Matters for Digital Inclusion

Across the world, gaming is often viewed primarily as entertainment — a pastime enjoyed by millions of players across consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices. Yet gaming is much more than a form of leisure.

At its core, gaming is a powerful system for learning, participation, and problem-solving.

The same principles that make games engaging — curiosity, challenge, progress, responsive feedback, and collaboration — can also be applied to help communities build confidence, develop digital skills, and participate more fully in an increasingly digital society.

At IFB Gaming, we believe that gaming principles can play an important role in shaping the future of digital inclusion and community empowerment.

Let’s break it down.

The Participation Challenge

Digital inclusion has traditionally focused on three key challenges:

• access to devices and connectivity
• digital skills and literacy
• confidence using online services

Over the past decade, governments, charities, and community organisations have worked tirelessly to address these barriers. Their efforts have helped millions of people gain access to the internet and develop the skills needed to navigate the digital world.

However, access and skills alone do not guarantee participation.

Many people still feel uncertain, intimidated, or disconnected from digital systems. For some, technology can feel like an unfamiliar environment — one that is difficult to navigate without guidance.

This is where gaming offers an important insight.

Games succeed because they encourage participation rather than demand expertise.

Players are invited to explore, experiment, and progress step by step.

Failure is part of the process, and progress is celebrated.

Learning Through Play

One of the most powerful aspects of gaming is its ability to support learning through play.

Games are designed to introduce new challenges gradually. Players start with simple tasks, build confidence through practice, and unlock more complex challenges as their skills develop.

This structure mirrors effective learning environments.

In digital skills programmes, for example, participants may need to learn how to:

  • create an email account
  • engage through chat
  • navigate online services
  • recognise online risks
  • access digital health services
  • apply for jobs online

When these activities are presented as technical tasks, they can feel intimidating. But when they are structured as missions, levels, or achievements, they become more engaging and motivating.

Gamification — the use of game mechanics in non-game contexts — can therefore transform digital learning into a progressive and confidence-building journey.

Gaming as a Gateway to Digital Confidence

For many people, gaming represents their first interaction with digital environments.

Even simple games introduce players to key digital concepts:

  • navigating virtual spaces
  • solving problems
  • collaborating with others
  • managing digital systems

These experiences can build confidence that extends far beyond gaming itself.

Young people who play games often develop skills in strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Older adults who explore digital games may gain confidence using devices and navigating digital interfaces.

Gaming can therefore act as a gateway into broader digital participation.

Community Engagement Through Gamification

Beyond individual learning, gaming principles can also strengthen community engagement.

Community programmes often struggle with participation. Workshops, meetings, or training sessions may be valuable but difficult to sustain without ongoing motivation.

Gamification can help address this challenge by introducing elements such as:

  • challenges and missions
  • progress tracking
  • collaborative achievements
  • recognition and rewards

These elements encourage participants to remain engaged while celebrating progress and shared achievements.

For example, digital skills programmes can introduce learning pathways where participants unlock new levels as they complete training modules. Community challenges can encourage residents to contribute to local initiatives, share knowledge, or participate in digital learning events.

By transforming participation into a shared journey, gamification can help strengthen community bonds and collective motivation.

Gaming in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence become embedded in everyday digital systems, the need for inclusive approaches to digital learning will only increase.

AI-powered services are already influencing areas such as:

  • healthcare
  • education
  • employment
  • financial services
  • information access

Understanding these technologies requires more than basic digital skills. Individuals must develop confidence navigating complex digital environments and questioning automated outputs.

Gaming and gamification can play an important role in supporting this transition.

By creating safe, interactive environments where people can explore technology without fear of failure, gaming can help communities build the confidence needed to engage with emerging technologies.

From Entertainment to Empowerment

Gaming is often misunderstood as a purely recreational activity.

Yet when we examine the underlying mechanics of games — exploration, feedback, collaboration, and progression — we see a powerful framework for human engagement and learning.

When these principles are applied thoughtfully, gaming can support:

  • digital inclusion
  • community learning
  • civic participation
  • technology confidence
  • social connection

In this sense, gaming is not simply about entertainment.

It is about empowerment through participation.

The Role of IFB Gaming

At IFB Gaming, our work explores how gaming principles and emerging technologies can support communities in navigating the digital world.

Through initiatives focused on digital inclusion, community learning, and responsible technology engagement, we aim to demonstrate how gaming can become a tool for education, participation, and social impact.

Our work recognises that digital inclusion is not only about providing access to technology.

It is about helping individuals and communities develop the confidence, curiosity, and capability to shape their own digital futures.

Looking Ahead

As society continues to evolve in response to rapid technological change, new approaches to learning and engagement will become increasingly important.

Gaming — with its emphasis on participation, experimentation, and progress — offers a powerful model for how communities can learn and grow together.

By embracing the principles of play, collaboration, and discovery, we can create more inclusive pathways into the digital world.

Because when people feel confident to explore, learn, and participate, they do more than access technology.

They gain the power to shape the future.

Artificial Intelligence , Digital Inclusion

AI and the Next Phase of Digital Inclusion: What Communities Need to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of everyday digital life.

From search engines and customer service chatbots to healthcare systems, online learning platforms, and workplace tools, AI is quietly shaping how information is delivered and how decisions are made.

For many people, this shift is exciting. AI promises greater efficiency, smarter tools, and new ways of solving complex problems.

But for communities already facing digital barriers, the rise of AI raises an important question:

What happens when digital inclusion moves into the age of artificial intelligence?

Digital Inclusion Has Entered a New Phase

For many years, digital inclusion efforts focused on three core challenges:

• access to devices and connectivity
• basic digital skills
• confidence using online services

Organisations across the UK and around the world have made enormous progress in helping individuals access the internet and develop the skills needed to participate in a digital society.

However, as AI systems become embedded in digital services, the nature of digital inclusion is beginning to change.

Digital participation will increasingly require people to understand how automated systems generate information, make recommendations, and sometimes make decisions.

This represents a new stage in the digital inclusion journey.

When Digital Services Become AI-Driven

Artificial intelligence is already influencing many services people rely on every day.

Examples include:

  • automated customer service systems
  • job recruitment screening tools
  • recommendation engines on digital platforms
  • AI-powered educational tools
  • decision-support systems in healthcare and finance

While these systems can improve efficiency and accessibility, they also introduce new challenges.

Users may not always understand:

  • where the information is coming from
  • how decisions are being made
  • whether an AI-generated answer is reliable
  • how their personal data is being used

Without the right support, individuals who have recently become digitally included may find themselves facing a new layer of complexity.

The Role of Community Organisations

Community organisations have long played an essential role in supporting digital inclusion.

Libraries, charities, community centres, and local support networks often act as trusted intermediaries between digital systems and the people who use them.

As AI becomes more widespread, these organisations may become equally important in helping communities understand and navigate intelligent technologies.

This could involve helping individuals:

  • understand what AI tools are and how they work
  • recognise AI-generated content
  • verify information produced by automated systems
  • protect personal data when using AI-powered services
  • explore how AI might support learning, employment, or creativity

In this sense, community organisations may increasingly act as AI translators — helping people interact confidently with emerging technologies.

AI Literacy as a Community Skill

Just as digital literacy became a key skill over the past decade, AI literacy may soon become equally important.

AI literacy does not require everyone to become a programmer or data scientist.

Instead, it focuses on helping people understand:

  • what AI can and cannot do
  • how AI systems learn from data
  • where bias or errors might occur
  • how to question and verify automated outputs

This knowledge helps individuals remain informed and confident users of digital systems.

Creating Safe Spaces to Explore AI

One of the most effective ways to support communities in understanding new technologies is through safe, supportive environments where people can explore and ask questions.

Community workshops, digital hubs, and learning programmes can provide opportunities for people to experiment with AI tools while receiving guidance from trusted facilitators.

These environments can help individuals:

  • explore AI-powered tools without pressure
  • understand both the opportunities and risks of AI
  • develop confidence interacting with intelligent systems
  • see how AI might support everyday tasks

The goal is not simply to promote AI adoption, but to ensure that people can engage with technology critically, safely, and confidently.

Looking Ahead

Artificial intelligence will likely continue to transform many aspects of digital life in the years ahead.

As this transformation unfolds, digital inclusion efforts must evolve alongside it.

Ensuring that communities can understand and navigate AI-powered systems will be essential to maintaining equitable access to digital services and opportunities.

At IFB Gaming, we are interested in exploring how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence intersect with community learning, digital inclusion, and the broader digital society.

The future of digital inclusion may not only be about getting people online.

It may also be about helping people understand the intelligent systems that increasingly shape the online world.

Digital Inclusion

Tackling Digital Exclusion with Human-Focused Innovation

In a world driven by technology, true innovation is not just about creating new tools—it’s about ensuring those tools empower people. Human-focused innovation puts people at the center of problem-solving, ensuring solutions are accessible, inclusive, and impactful. At IFB Gaming, we embody this approach by leveraging gaming and digital inclusion to bridge the technology gap for underserved communities.

The Challenge: Digital Exclusion

Millions worldwide face digital exclusion, lacking access to devices, internet connectivity, and digital literacy. This gap is more than just technological—it’s social and economic. Without digital access, individuals struggle to apply for jobs, access education, or even communicate effectively. This is where human-focused innovation comes into play, ensuring that no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.

IFB Gaming’s Approach: A Use Case in Action

One of our key initiatives at IFB Gaming is Empowering Futures, where we provide free SIM cards, devices, and digital skills training to refugees, low-income individuals, and those with no recourse to public funds through Community Organisations. This initiative isn’t just about handing out technology—it’s about ensuring people can use it to improve their lives.

Take, for example, Amira, a refugee who arrived in the UK with limited digital skills. Without internet access, she struggled to find housing, apply for jobs, or connect with her family back home. Through our initiative, Amira received a SIM card, free digital literacy training, and guidance on using online job platforms. Within months, she secured a stable job, regained financial independence, and started building a new life. This transformation was possible because the innovation wasn’t just technical—it was human-focused.

The Impact: Technology as an Equalizer

By focusing on people first, we turn technology into an equalizer rather than a barrier. Our work at IFB Gaming demonstrates that gaming, connectivity, and digital literacy can go beyond entertainment; they can drive social change. Whether it’s through digital training, gaming for education, or sustainable tech access, we ensure that innovation works for everyone, not just a privileged few.

Scaling Human-Focused Innovation

The future of technology must be built with people at its core. At IFB Gaming, we are committed to expanding our efforts, collaborating with partners, and creating even more impact-driven solutions that make digital inclusion a reality for all.

Interested in collaborating or supporting our mission? Join us in shaping a more inclusive digital world.

Digital Inclusion , London

Digital Inclusion: Bridging the Digital Divide This Festive Season

This Christmas, the message of connection has never been more meaningful. Virgin Media O2’s new festive advert, “Snowing SIMs”, captures the spirit of giving by highlighting their incredible SIM card initiative through the National Databank.

At IFB Gaming, we are proud to be part of this inspiring mission, ensuring that no one is left behind in today’s digital world.

Tackling Digital Inclusion through the National Databank

According to Good Things reporting, 2 million households have no home internet, and 2.4 million can’t afford a mobile phone contract. This lack of access often affects vulnerable people facing other inequalities, hence the introduction of the National Databank in 2021.

The National Databank is like a foodbank but for mobile data. The National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. Read about the National Databank on Good Things Foundation’s website.

Through our membership with the National Databank, IFB Gaming plays a pivotal role in distributing free SIM cards to those most affected by data poverty in London.

Together, we’re not just delivering connectivity—we’re creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and paving the way for a digitally empowered future.”

Digital inclusion: Free SIM Cards

For many, the festive season is a time of joy and togetherness. But for others, particularly those facing digital exclusion, it can be a stark reminder of isolation.

In London alone, thousands struggle with data poverty, unable to access the internet for vital services, job opportunities, or simply to connect with loved ones.

Through our membership with the National Digital Inclusion Network, IFB Gaming has distributed free SIM cards to those who need them most. This includes individuals on low incomes, refugees, asylum seekers, people with English as a Second Language, British Sign Language Users, and others without recourse to public funds.

These SIM cards provide not just data, but a lifeline to the digital world—a tool to empower and uplift.

The Power of Connection
Virgin Media O2’s “Snowing SIMs” campaign beautifully showcases how something as small as a SIM card can make a big difference. Whether it’s supporting someone in applying for a job, participating in an online class, or staying connected with loved ones, this initiative goes beyond technology—it is about creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and preparing the UK for a future of technological maturity and beyond. Virgin Media O2 is at the forefront, driving this essential and transformative change.

Snowing Sims’ – Christmas Ad by Virgin Media O2

Digital Inclusion: A Mission for London and Beyond

At IFB Gaming, we’ve seen firsthand how access to data transforms lives. London is a city of opportunity, but for many, digital exclusion creates barriers to participation.

By working together with the National Databank and like-minded partners, we’re helping to break down these barriers, one SIM card at a time. Read about our recent “Empowering Futures” and “Winter Data Care” initiative on Community Southwark’s website.

How Can Your Organisation Benefit?

By joining the National Databank, your charity or community organisation can:

  • Distribute free SIM cards to support those facing digital exclusion.
  • Help individuals access essential online services, education, and employment opportunities.
  • Strengthen your community impact with a meaningful, practical solution to data poverty.
  • Learn new skills and ways of working.
  • Be part of a National movement focused on eradicating inequalities.
  • Break the silo walls and connect your voice to National discussions and development.
  • Future-proof your organisation with member-only events and a knowledge base.
  • Access the National Device Bank and diversify your funding opportunities.

Why Get Involved?

The National Databank is a simple, effective way to support your community and break down the barriers of digital exclusion.

At IFB Gaming, being part of this initiative has allowed us to connect countless individuals and organisations to life-changing opportunities, and we want to share this opportunity with you.

Get in Touch with IFB Gaming

Need guidance on how to join? Unsure where to start?

IFB Gaming offers consultations to help you understand the process and make the most of this incredible initiative. Together, we can ensure no one in our communities is left behind.

Let’s create a digitally inclusive future—one SIM card at a time. Reach out to us today to learn more about joining the National Databank!

This Christmas, as we embrace the joy of giving, let’s remember the power of connection. Together, we can continue to address digital exclusion and data poverty, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Get In Touch

Community Development , Digital Inclusion

Our work is featured in Community Southwark’s case studies

Hello!

We hope you are doing well, in high spirits and good health. We hope you are looking forward to the holiday as much as we are here at IFB Gaming. IFB Gaming’s work in London Communities has been featured in Community Southwark’s Success Stories – Case Studies.

Learn more on Community Southwark’s Website

We are particularly excited about the end-of-year and festive season because we have lots of insights, knowledge and practical and actionable solutions to impart into the New Year.

We wish you a Happy Holiday!

Connect with us on social media

Community Development , Digital Inclusion

IFB’s been shortlisted for a Business Excellence Award (2023) in London

Hello! We hope this news finds you well, in high spirits and in good health. We hope that you are looking forward to the holiday as much as we are here at IFB Gaming. IFB Gaming has been shortlisted in the Contribution to Community Category in Southwark’s Business Excellence Award 2023 sponsored by Elephant & Castle Town Centre.

Learn more on the Southwark Awards Website

We are particularly excited about the end-of-year and festive season because we have lots of insights, knowledge and practical and actionable solutions to impart into the New Year.

We wish you a Happy Holiday!

Connect with us on social media

#IFBOfficial

Community Development , Digital Inclusion

Embracing Gamification for Digital Inclusion and Community Resilience

What is Gamification?

Gamification is the application of game design elements and principles in non-game environments in order to increase engagement, motivation, and participation.

It involves incorporating features commonly found in games — such as points, levels, badges, leaderboards, challenges, missions, and rewards — into activities like education, community development, training programmes, and digital learning.

The goal is simple: make participation more engaging and rewarding.

By tapping into the psychological drivers that make games compelling — including achievement, curiosity, competition, and progress — gamification can encourage people to stay motivated and continue learning or contributing over time.

Today, gamification is used in many sectors, including:

  • education and training
  • health and wellbeing programmes
  • employee engagement initiatives
  • marketing and customer experience
  • community participation programmes

When applied thoughtfully, gamification can transform activities that might otherwise feel difficult, technical, or intimidating into experiences that are accessible, enjoyable, and motivating.

Gamification and Community Development

One of the most important discussions around gamification is whether it can be applied meaningfully in real-world community development.

At IFB Gaming, our experience suggests that the answer is yes.

During Get Online Week: Inspiring Minds! Empowering Futures, we experimented with gamification approaches to encourage participation and digital learning within a South London community.

By framing participation as a series of challenges and missions, we transformed the learning environment into something more dynamic and engaging — almost like navigating a digital adventure similar to experiences found in open-world games such as Grand Theft Auto.

The objective was not to turn community work into entertainment, but rather to use familiar game mechanics to reduce barriers to participation.

How Gamification Can Strengthen Communities

Gamification can support community initiatives in several important ways.

Community Engagement

Gamification can encourage community members to actively participate in events, initiatives, and projects.

Tasks such as attending workshops, volunteering, contributing to local initiatives, or participating in digital training programmes can be framed as missions or achievements, making participation more interactive and rewarding.

Education and Digital Skill Development

Many community development programmes involve teaching new skills.

However, learning digital skills can feel intimidating for beginners, particularly for people who may have had limited exposure to technology.

Gamification helps address this challenge by turning learning into a progressive journey.

During Get Online Week, we used the educational platform Learn My Way, which provides structured digital learning pathways. By introducing elements of challenge, progress, and achievement, participants were able to move through learning modules with greater confidence and motivation.

Culture and Behaviour Change

Gamification can also support positive behaviour change within communities.

Challenges and reward systems can encourage activities such as:

  • recycling and environmental responsibility
  • energy conservation
  • trying digital services for the first time
  • adopting healthier lifestyles

By celebrating progress and recognising participation, gamification can reinforce positive habits and community engagement.

Community Building and Social Connection

Games naturally bring people together.

Gamified activities such as community challenges, neighbourhood competitions, or digital scavenger hunts can create opportunities for residents to interact with one another and develop a stronger sense of belonging.

In many communities, especially those experiencing social or digital isolation, this type of interaction can be extremely valuable.

Data Collection and Community Insight

Gamified platforms can also provide useful insights for community organisers.

For example, mobile apps or digital platforms could encourage residents to report local issues — such as potholes, graffiti, or maintenance concerns — while earning points or recognition for contributing to community improvement.

This approach allows communities to gather valuable information while encouraging civic participation.

Volunteer Motivation and Recognition

Volunteers are often the backbone of community programmes.

Gamification can help recognise and motivate volunteers by tracking contributions, celebrating milestones, and highlighting the impact of their efforts.

Leaderboards, recognition systems, or digital achievement badges can help volunteers feel valued while encouraging sustained engagement.

Gamification and Digital Inclusion

Gamification also has significant potential within digital inclusion initiatives.

Learning digital skills can be overwhelming for beginners. Tasks such as setting up an email account, navigating online services, or understanding online safety may appear simple to experienced users but can feel daunting for someone starting from scratch.

By introducing game elements such as levels, progress indicators, and achievement milestones, digital learning programmes can become more supportive and less intimidating.

Participants can progress step-by-step, gaining confidence as they unlock new skills and knowledge.

In this way, gamification helps transform digital learning from a purely technical process into a motivating and empowering experience.

Looking Ahead

As communities continue to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world, innovative approaches to engagement and learning will become increasingly important.

Gamification offers a promising pathway for making community initiatives more interactive, inclusive, and impactful.

At IFB Gaming, we believe that the principles of gaming — curiosity, challenge, collaboration, and progress — can play a powerful role in strengthening communities and supporting digital inclusion.

By thoughtfully integrating gamification into community programmes, organisations can inspire participation, build confidence, and help communities thrive in an increasingly digital society.

Our Commitment

At IFB Gaming, we continue to explore how gaming principles, emerging technologies, and community engagement strategies can work together to create more inclusive digital futures.

Through initiatives like Get Online Week, we are experimenting with practical approaches that help communities learn, participate, and grow together.

Because when learning feels like progress — and progress feels like a game — communities become stronger, more confident, and more connected.

Digital Inclusion

Register for Get Online Week 2023’s Empowering Futures’

Get Online Week is back. It runs annually during Black History Month and it is currently on its 16th edition.

Why is Get Online Week important?

Nearly 1 in 5 adults lack the most basic digital skills needed for everyday life.

Over 1 in 20 households have no internet access, neither fixed line nor mobile.

2 million households struggle with affordability of internet access.

(AbilityNet)

What to expect this Get Online Week 2023

Free technology, computer and internet support for beginners.

Get support from IFB, BTB CIC and the NHS to access and understand essential digital services.

Whether you are a beginner, looking for educational resources or you are just struggling with a specific function, there will be a variety of departments based on our 6-Pillars of Digital Inclusion on the ground to support you.

Register Here

You may also like to join us soon for more free events below:

Supporting Seniors to take back control of their healthcare by mastering the new NHS appointment booking process.

One of our primary objectives this year is to support Seniors and Elderly People with the new NHS appointment booking process, especially blood tests. If you know anyone that’s can benefit from this event, kindly bring them along or share with them. The NHS User Research team will be available during GOW to support them with any issues or problems that they may be experiencing.

Register Here

Get Online Week 2023: Inspiring Minds. Empowering Futures.

A free 3-day free website development workshop at Rachel Leigh Hall. This event is free, however, registration is required. Please learn more with the link below.

The three days workshop will focus on:

  1. HTML – Hyper Text Markup Language
  2. CSS – Cascading Style Sheets
  3. Design thinking and ethics
  4. Drag ‘N’ Drop

Register Here

Digital Living: Free bicycle marking by the Metropolitan Police.

Crime is on the rise again in London. This is true about mobile phones and bicycles on Southwark’s Brandon Estate. This Get Online Week, we are teaming up with the Police to mitigate these categories by offering bicycle tracking devices to individuals.

Register Here

IFB Accessibility Services

Digital Inclusion , Empowering Futures

IFB Gaming Joins FutureDotNow Coalition

Our commitment is to elevate digital inclusion and eradicate digital poverty. We recognise that this endeavour requires a collective effort beyond any single expert, organisation, government, or community. Hence, we are proud to announce that we are now an active member of the FutureDotNow coalition and will align our tangible and intangible resources and objectives with the alliance to eradicate digital inclusion and data poverty from the UK.

The pandemic has underscored the urgency of our mission, signalling that traditional methods may no longer suffice during technology adoption maturity and beyond.

Future Dot Now is a coalition of forward-thinking organisations dedicated to enhancing essential digital skills in the UK’s workforce. There are currently 133 members in the coalition, including esteemed organisations such as Good Things Foundation, PwC, and Lloyds Banking Group.

We are honoured to be a part of this dynamic coalition.

FutureDotNow Essential Digital Skills Framework
Essential Digital Skills Framework (Credit: Future Dot Now)

Fostering a digitally-enabled culture is pivotal to our nation’s success. As members of the Future Dot Now coalition, we aim to contribute valuable insights while benefiting from the expertise of other esteemed organisations within the coalition.

(Future Dot Now)

About IFB Gaming

IFB, an acronym for International Friends Bureau, is a hybrid bridge and connector research and learning organisation focused on the intersection of play, lifelong learning and digital exclusion.

Our Empowering Futures initiative is an impact-driven initiative designed to tackle digital exclusion, data poverty, and accessibility challenges faced by underserved communities. The programme provides free SIM cards, digital skills training, and connectivity solutions to low-income individuals, refugees, and those without recourse to public funds.

What Membership in the Coalition Means to IFB Gaming

Given our unique positioning as a bridge research and learning organisation researching in English communities, affiliation with the coalition aligns with our mission in several ways:

  1. Support from Digital Inclusion Leaders: We anticipate garnering support from prominent individuals and organisations actively engaged in digital inclusion initiatives in England and Wales.
  2. Knowledge Exchange: Participating in the coalition allows us to share our insights and gain fresh perspectives and expertise specifically tailored to digital inclusion.
  3. Advocating Gamification: We intend to advocate for the benefits of gamification and emerging trends within the coalition.
  4. Awareness Initiatives: We aim to create awareness programs highlighting the myriad applications available to Third Sector organisations and community groups.
  5. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborative efforts within the coalition will contribute to strengthening the UK’s position through strategic partnerships within the Commonwealth.
  6. Promotion of Digital Skills Framework: We are committed to promoting the Essential Digital Skills Framework within BAME communities, starting from the grassroots level.
  7. Community Engagement: We will facilitate volunteering opportunities within the community and offer free or affordable workplace digital training and products to coalition members.

The Essential Digital Skills (EDS) Framework, outlined above, delineates five key skills and provides examples of tasks that individuals should master to demonstrate competence in each skill. Notably, the fifth skill—being safe, legal, and confident online—is interwoven across the other four.

The pandemic has accentuated existing gaps and exposed new challenges. It is evident that while there are numerous efforts underway in UK communities aimed at fostering a prosperous, connected, equitable, and sustainable digital economy, much of this work operates in isolation, often lacking proper documentation and alignment with systemic structures.

We firmly believe that a robust, comprehensive, and cyclical strategy is now imperative, one that is firmly grounded in strategic partnerships and driven from the grassroots and the policy (bottom-up-top-down), with a focus on empowering individuals and communities.

According to the City of London News Room, the UK is leading the digital revolution, with technology, media, and creative businesses outpacing the broader economy in terms of growth. Nevertheless, the rapid pace of change is leaving a significant portion of our population behind:

  • 53% of UK employees lack the essential digital skills necessary for the workplace.
  • 4.1 million adults in the UK remain ‘offline,’ with 75% indicating no motivation to change.
  • 11.3 million UK adults still lack the fundamental skills needed to access the internet, communicate effectively, and solve problems online.

The Future Dot Now coalition has made the following commitments, and we encourage other organisations to join us in this endeavour. Only through collective action can we develop fluid, interconnected, and sustainable solutions that are equal to the tasks and challenges that lie ahead.

Digital Inclusion , Get Online Week , Press Release

Hot off the press! “Empowering Futures”

In an era where technology continues to redefine our lives, the importance of digital literacy and empowerment cannot be overstated. The digital world presents endless opportunities, from connecting with others to accessing vital information and advancing our careers. Recognising this, IFB Gaming is excited to announce the introduction of Get Online Week’s Empowering Futures.

IFB Gaming and Empowering Futures:

At IFB Gaming, we understand the transformative power of the digital realm, especially in the realm of gaming, healthcare, education and public online services.

As we enter the age of technological innovation, digital skills are increasingly becoming essential for personal and professional growth.

Empowering Futures aligns perfectly with our mission to empower voluntary organisations and small businesses to manifest a connected nation where everyone can fully participate and reach their full potential during technology adoption maturity and beyond.

Empowering Futures offers a wide range of events, workshops, and resources designed to equip voluntary organisations and small businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in the digital age.

IFB Gaming is proud to champion this initiative and is committed to supporting and encouraging everyone to harness the power of technology.

Why Participate or Join Empowering Futures:

Empowering Futures is a unique initiative designed to expand your digital horizons, regardless of the size of your organisation. The initiative will support you to future-proof your organisation and to make the best out of the numerous opportunities presented by technology or digital.

Here are some reasons why you should consider joining Empowering Futures:

  1. Boost Your Ream’s Digital Skills: Learn from experts in various fields to enhance your people’s knowledge and gain practical skills that can elevate your online presence.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, and organisations who share your passion for eradicating digital inclusion. Build valuable relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.
  3. Inclusivity: Empowering Futures is committed to promoting and advocating for digital inclusion and diversity at all levels of the society.
  4. Stay Updated: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, policies and opportunities and gain insights from digital inclusion industry leaders and pioneers.

Recommended Reading:

Press Release: Empowering Futures 2023 in London

For more details on Empowering Futures event and to get a sneak peek at what to expect, we highly recommend reading the event’s press release. To access the press release, please visit the official Get Online Week’s Empowering Futures website or contact the team directly.

The official website provides a comprehensive overview of the event, including the schedule, featured speakers, workshops, and registration details.

What is Get Online Week?

Get Online Week is championed by Good Things Foundation. The campaign started in 2007 and it is currently in its 16th year. Good Things Foundation is on a mission to fix the digital divide, increasing awareness of digital exclusion and the pillars to tackle it: access to devices, data and digital skills training.

Every year Get Online Week has enabled people at risk of digital exclusion and data poverty to learn the Essential Digital Skills (Future Dot Now) and take back control of their lives and work during technology adoption maturity and beyond.

Conclusion:

Together, we can shape a future where technology empowers and enriches our lives.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in the digital age.

Don’t forget, whether you are representing a bank, retailer, telecommunications, charity or a community organisation, everybody can participate during Get Online Week by following these three steps.

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