STILL ACTIVE
Zusammen digital is a project of the German Institute for Media Research and Media Education (JFF - Institut für Medienpädagogik) and funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Digital Affairs (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Digitales). Combining empirical research and educational practice, JFF investigates media usage of adolescents to identify challenges and opportunities and to promote media competence among young generations. Zusammen digital provides help desks across Bavaria, Germany, where citizens can go without appointment and free of charge to get answers to all their questions pertaining to the digital world, no matter how simple or basic the questions may be. As such, the help desks are particularly popular among the elderly who mustn’t fear being reprimanded for asking “stupid questions” or annoying their family - a common fear among older generations. Under the premise that digital inclusion equals social inclusion, the objective of zusammen digital is to ensure every member of society can access and benefit from digital technologies. The help desks are run by young volunteers who get an introductory training. Thus, beside working towards equal access to digital opportunities, the project also hopes to foster intergenerational exchange. Initially funded for one year, municipalities can apply for funding for another 12 months. Further, help desks are encouraged to organise additional digital projects that promote digital skills. The project is running until 2025. Each year there will be a call for funding to open a help desk, the next call will be in the Fall of 2023. Municipalities across Bavaria are encouraged to apply. Keep an eye on their website.
Received over 60 applications to the first call of which 15 communes across Bavaria were selected to open a help desk
zusammendigital@jff.de