Digital Inclusion Initiative

12/08/2026

Digital Skills for Greater Independence

"I never thought I would be able to learn digital skills on my own, at least the basic ones that would also allow me to support my children in using digital technologies. Today, I know that this is possible for me as well." - These were the words of a parent of children with disabilities and one of the participants in the first educational sessions organized within the project "Digital Inclusion of Local Communities," implemented by the grassroot organization Rural Coalition in the Municipality of Kičevo, North Macedonia as part of the regional Digital Inclusion Initiative Project.

During the first training sessions, through practical exercises, participants learned how to access information and digital services more safely and independently. For many, this was their first opportunity to gain confidence in using digital tools and to realize that technology can become a pathway to greater independence rather than another barrier.

For persons with disabilities, access to digital technologies means much more than simply using a computer or a mobile phone. It provides opportunity to communicate independently with institutions, obtain information, and access public services without relying on others. Participants became familiar with the fundamentals of using digital devices, online safety, electronic communication, and the digital services provided by the Municipality of Kičevo and other local institutions.

"Until now, I always depended on someone else whenever I needed to find information or complete an online form. After this training, I realized that with a little guidance and practice, I can do many things independently. It gives me a sense of confidence and independence." – Goran Nestoroski, training participant

Beyond building new knowledge, these training sessions represent an important milestone towards the establishment of the first Local Digital Hub in the Municipality of Kičevo. The Hub will provide persons with disabilities with access to modern ICT and assistive technologies, practical learning opportunities, and continuous support in using electronic public services. It will also promote both digital and social inclusion by embracing the principle of "Leave No One Behind."

Through these educational activities, the DII project contributes not only to improving the digital skills of persons with disabilities, but also to building a more inclusive local community where everyone has equal access to information, services, and opportunities. Through the establishment of the Local Digital Hub and the continuation of the training program, the project is creating sustainable conditions for greater independence, equal access to public services, and more active participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the local community.

__________
The Digital Inclusion Initiative - DII Project is funded by the European Union and seeks to strengthen the role of civil society organizations across the Western Balkans in promoting participatory democracy, digital innovation, and digital inclusion for all. Through its activities, the project contributes to EU accession priorities by supporting digital transformation, strengthening inclusive policymaking, and enhancing access to digital opportunities in line with EU values and standards.

10/08/2026

Transforming Teaching Through Digital Skills Training

"I used to see digital technology as something difficult to use in the classroom. Today, I see it as an opportunity to engage every student and make learning more inclusive." - for Klaudeta, a primary school teacher at "Drita Çomo" school in Cërrik, Albania, teaching has always been about creating opportunities for every child to learn and participate. However, despite her commitment, she often felt that the growing expectations for digital teaching were moving faster than her own experience with technology.

Although new digital equipment was becoming available in schools, Klaudeta had never received practical training on how to integrate digital tools into her daily teaching. Like many teachers, she worried that technology might become another challenge rather than a resource that could improve learning outcomes for her students.

Everything began to change when she joined the Digital Competence Training Program organized through the Digital Inclusion Initiative - DII Project.

Together with other teachers and community professionals, Klaudeta participated in hands-on training sessions designed to strengthen practical digital competencies. She learned how to use smart board, interactive educational applications and digital teaching methods that encourage collaboration, creativity and active participation in the classroom.

The experience gave her much more than technical knowledge, it gave her confidence: "The training showed me that digital tools are not there to replace teachers, they help us connect with students in new ways. Today, my lessons are more interactive, and I can see that my students are more motivated to participate and learn."

Since completing the training, Klaudeta has started integrating digital resources into her lessons, creating a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. Students who were previously less active during classroom activities are now participating more confidently through interactive exercises and collaborative learning. The greatest achievement is not simply using new technology, it is known that every student has a better opportunity to develop the digital skills that will be essential for their future education and employment.

By empowering teachers with practical digital competencies, the project is helping schools build more inclusive, innovative and resilient learning environments while reducing the digital divide within local communities.
______________
The Digital Inclusion Initiative- DII Project is funded by the European Union and seeks to strengthen the role of civil society organizations across the Western Balkans in promoting participatory democracy, digital innovation, and digital inclusion for all. Through its activities, the project contributes to EU accession priorities by supporting digital transformation, strengthening inclusive policymaking, and enhancing access to digital opportunities in line with EU values and standards.

06/08/2026

Connect Me (PovežiMe) - Together we create a digital space accessible to everyone

For people with disabilities and developmental difficulties, as well as for young people living in rural areas, access to information, support and networking opportunities is often difficult. Many existing digital platforms are not sufficiently adapted to their needs, which can represent an additional obstacle for their full inclusion in social life.

In order to answer this challenge, the "PovežiMe“ (Connect Me) project implemented as part of the regional DII Project by the Association of Psychologists Novi Pazar, Serbia, brought together experts from different fields with a common goal: development of digital platform that will be accessible, understandable and easy to use for all users.

Psychologists and IT experts collaborated to design the future platform, embedding accessibility as a core development principle from the outset. Psychologists identified the need for simple navigation, clear language, and a digital environment that promotes independence and equal participation, while IT experts translated these recommendations into solutions based on accessibility and universal design principles.

"The greatest value of this process is the fact that the needs of future users have become the starting point for every decision in the development of the platform. In this way, we are creating a digital solution that will be available to everyone and truly meet the needs of the people for whom it is intended," said Nataša Leštanin, a member of the project team.

Although the platform is not yet available, the project established a new model of collaboration between social protection and IT experts, ensuring that the needs of people with disabilities shape its development. This laid the foundation for an accessible, sustainable platform that will be pilot tested and further improved based on user feedback.

PovežiMe platform is much more than a digital tool. In the next stages of the project, it is planned to test the platform with young people with disabilities and young people from rural areas, so that their feedback will further improve its functionality and accessibility. Users will also be able to participate in workshops for the development of digital skills, adapted to different levels of knowledge and capabilities, while through the mentoring program they will have the support of trained volunteers and IT experts.

Through community cooperation, promotional activities, and awareness-raising on digital inclusion, the project contributes to creating an environment where everyone has equal access to digital content, information, and services.
______
The Digital Inclusion Initiative – DII Project is funded by the European Union and seeks to strengthen the role of civil society organizations across the Western Balkans in promoting participatory democracy, digital innovation, and digital inclusion for all. Through its activities, the project contributes to EU accession priorities by supporting digital transformation, strengthening inclusive policymaking, and enhancing access to digital opportunities in line with EU values and standards.

30/07/2026

DIGITAL SKILLS OPENING DOORS FOR INCLUSION
Blerina Peza is a teacher who believes that everyone should have equal opportunities to access information and public services. After participating in the Digital Inclusion Initiative, she gained a deeper understanding of how digital tools can improve people's daily lives, especially for those who are often left behind.

Reflecting on her experience, Blerina noted: "Digital inclusion is essential for empowering marginalized groups and ensuring equal access to public services. It is not only about technology; it is a practical tool for social inclusion and inclusive democracy."
The training helped her understand that digital inclusion is achieved by creating accessible online platforms, improving citizens' digital skills, removing barriers to public services, and building stronger communication between citizens and local government.

Inspired by the initiative, CSDC Durrës, Albania has taken practical steps to promote digital inclusion in local communities. The organization works to reduce barriers that prevent marginalized groups (rural inhabitants, Roma and Egyptian community, elderly people) from accessing information and public services and encourages local institutions to provide more accessible digital services.

Digital public services save citizens time and money, reduce bureaucracy, and make it easier to communicate with local authorities. They also create new opportunities for people to participate in decision-making and become more active members of their communities.

For vulnerable and marginalized groups, these improvements mean greater equality, better representation, and easier access to the services they need. By making information and services available through digital platforms, local government becomes more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens.

Blerina's experience shows that digital inclusion is about much more than technology. It is about giving every citizen the opportunity to participate, be heard, and benefit from public services. Through initiatives like this, CSDC Durres Albania, is helping build more inclusive communities where no one is left behind, in line with the values and principles of the European Union.
____________
The Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) is funded by the European Union and seeks to strengthen the role of civil society organizations across the Western Balkans in promoting participatory democracy, digital innovation, and digital inclusion for all. Through its activities, the project contributes to the EU accession priorities of the region by supporting digital transformation, social inclusion, citizen participation, and the development of inclusive policies aligned with European values and standards.

29/07/2026

A key milestone achieved for digital inclusion in Cërrik!

The ARSIS Initiative has successfully completed the questionnaire administration phase of the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) project, engaging nearly 200 children and young people from both the experimental and control groups.

Their valuable insights on technology use, digital skills, and access to digital services will help assess the impact of the project's interventions and identify effective, sustainable approaches to advancing digital inclusion.

This activity was implemented in cooperation with project partners ProMente Social Inclusion and Civil Society Development Center (CSDC) Durrës, using a standardized methodology tailored to the Albanian context.

Funded by the European Union, the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) empowers civil society organizations across the Western Balkans to promote participatory democracy, support European integration, and advocate for policies that advance digital inclusion.

15/07/2026

Digital services are just one click away! 💻📲
Do you use digital platforms to save time and access services more efficiently? Watch our video and discover how technology can make everyday life easier.
Through the “Tech Cafe” project, we are promoting the use of digital platforms to improve citizens’ access to various services while strengthening digital skills within the community.
🎥 Watch the video, share it with others, and become part of the digital transformation!
⸻
This activity is implemented within the “Tech Cafe” project, supported by the regional Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII), funded by the European Union and implemented through the Kosova Education Center - KEC.

15/07/2026

The Youth Association for Human Rights (YAHR) organized the discussion roundtable “Digital Inclusion in the Municipality of Lipjan – Challenges, Opportunities and Institutional Cooperation”, bringing together representatives of public institutions, civil society organizations, and other local stakeholders.
During the event, the key findings of the Digital Needs Assessment in the Municipality of Lipjan were presented, followed by an engaging discussion on the challenges and opportunities for advancing digital inclusion, improving access to digital public services, strengthening digital skills, and enhancing institutional cooperation.
The discussion resulted in a number of practical recommendations that will contribute to improving local policies and practices, with the goal of ensuring more inclusive and accessible digital services for all citizens.

18/06/2026

Open Call for Two Facilitators on Digital Inclusion

The Digital Inclusion Initiative project is seeking two external regional facilitators with expertise in Digital Inclusion to support the preparation and delivery of a Peer Learning Workshop on the topic "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Equitable Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Risks, and Practical Pathways"

The workshop will bring together project consortium members, selected grassroots organizations, and leaders of national coalitions to exchange experiences, address common challenges, and explore innovative approaches to digital inclusion. Facilitators will lead interactive sessions, encourage peer learning, and support collaborative problem-solving to strengthen participants’ capacity to apply digital inclusion strategies in diverse contexts.

If you have experience of facilitating regional workshops and expertise in digital inclusion, we encourage you to apply.

For more information and application, please see the link:

The Digital Inclusion Initiative project is seeking two external regional facilitators with expertise in Digital Inclusion to support the preparation and delivery of a Peer Learning Workshop on the topic "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Equitable Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Risks, and P...

18/06/2026

Open Call for Two Facilitators on Digital Inclusion

The Digital Inclusion Initiative project is seeking two external regional facilitators with expertise in Digital Inclusion to support the preparation and delivery of a Peer Learning Workshop on the topic "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Equitable Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Risks, and Practical Pathways"

The workshop will bring together project consortium members, selected grassroots organizations, and leaders of national coalitions to exchange experiences, address common challenges, and explore innovative approaches to digital inclusion. Facilitators will lead interactive sessions, encourage peer learning, and support collaborative problem-solving to strengthen participants’ capacity to apply digital inclusion strategies in diverse contexts.

If you have experience of facilitating regional workshops and expertise in digital inclusion, we encourage you to apply.

For more information and application, please see the link:

The Digital Inclusion Initiative project is seeking two external regional facilitators with expertise in Digital Inclusion to support the preparation and delivery of a Peer Learning Workshop on the topic "Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Equitable Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Risks, and P...

05/06/2026

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Digital Inclusion

As part of the ongoing activities of the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII), representatives of the project partner, Kosova Education Center (KEC), conducted a monitoring and coordination visit with local project stakeholders to review progress and strengthen cooperation in promoting digital inclusion and youth empowerment.

During the visit, project activities implemented to date were presented, including the engagement of mentors and participants, as well as ongoing efforts to create greater opportunities for young people in the fields of technology, digital inclusion, and the development of contemporary skills.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss project progress, challenges, innovative ideas, and plans for future activities. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and the active involvement of young people in processes that directly contribute to their personal and professional development.

Continuous support and monitoring from project partners remain essential for ensuring quality implementation and maximizing the impact of activities aimed at fostering more inclusive and digitally empowered communities.

The Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) is funded by the European Union and seeks to strengthen the role of civil society organizations across the Western Balkans in promoting participatory democracy, digital innovation, and digital inclusion for all. Through its activities, the project contributes to the EU accession priorities of the region by supporting digital transformation, social inclusion, citizen participation, and the development of inclusive policies aligned with European values and standards.