Digital Inclusion Initiative

21/05/2026

Free AI literacy platform introduced

Within the framework of the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) project, partners and members of the National Coalition for Digital Inclusion in North Macedonia continue to work together to support inclusive digital transformation and address emerging digital skills gaps.

As part of these joint efforts, AINOW Society, a member of the National Coalition, developed the AI literacy platform edu.ainow.mk. The platform was presented during the second meeting of the National Coalition, held on 21 April 2026 in Skopje and organized by MCEC Skopje.

edu.ainow.mk is a free AI literacy platform designed for teachers, students, school staff, and education leaders in the region. It is available in Macedonian, Albanian, and English, can be used offline, and operates without user tracking, making it accessible for schools and communities facing barriers related to connectivity, language, privacy, or institutional capacity. The platform brings together structured learning materials, practical examples, AI-related tools, a prompt bank, a test studio, a glossary, and curated resources to support the responsible and practical use of artificial intelligence in education.

By introducing this platform within the work of the National Coalition, the Digital Inclusion Initiative highlights the importance of expanding digital inclusion beyond connectivity.
The edu.ainow.mk is a practical resource to the shared efforts of the Coalition and the wider DII consortium to promote inclusive, accessible, and locally relevant digital education in Western Balkans.

The communication activities of the Digital Inclusion Initiative also reflect the project’s contribution to EU accession priorities in the Western Balkans. Through its focus on digital inclusion and AI literacy, the project supports alignment with key European frameworks and policies related to digital transformation, inclusive growth, democratic governance, and social inclusion, including the Digital Agenda for Europe, the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the Gender Action Plan III (GAP III), and the Youth Action Plan.

By strengthening digital skills, promoting equal access to educational resources, and supporting inclusive participation in digital society, the DII project contributes to the broader EU accession process and promotes shared European values of inclusion, equality, participation, and innovation.

20/05/2026

The Digital Inclusion Initiative – DII project continued its activities with students from the Ulpiana Gymnasium.
During the training sessions, participants discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and explored how technology can support learning, encourage creativity, and contribute to the development of young people’s digital skills.
The project is implemented in partnership between Kosova Education Center and YAHR.

04/05/2026

Missed our webinar? Watch it now!
If you couldn’t join us live, the recording of the “Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Trust in Digital Inclusion” webinar is now available. Watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/QG-ikTDxI6w

In this insightful session, experts explore:
• Why data privacy matters in an increasingly digital world
• The growing risks related to cybersecurity
• How trust shapes participation in digital society
• What institutions, educators, and individuals can do to stay safe online

Whether you’re a teacher, student, policymaker, or simply interested in digital transformation, this webinar offers practical knowledge and relevant perspectives for today’s challenges.

As digital technologies become an essential part of everyday life, issues like data protection, online safety, and trust are more important than ever. In fact, trust is a key driver of digital inclusion - without it, people are less likely to engage with digital tools and services, widening the digital divide.

Let’s work together towards a safer, more inclusive digital future!
www.diiproject.net

Digital Initiative Project: Webinar on Data Privacy, Cybersecurity and Trust in Digital Inclusion

23/04/2026

Strengthening Collaboration for Digital Inclusion: Second National Coalition Meeting Held in North Macedonia

On 21 April 2026, the second meeting of the National Coalition for Digital Inclusion in North Macedonia was successfully held in Skopje, bringing together key stakeholders committed to advancing digital equality across the country. Organized by MCEC Skopje within the framework of the Digital Inclusion Initiative project, the meeting served as an important platform for coordination, knowledge exchange, and joint planning.

The event gathered around 15 participants, including representatives from national institutions, civil society organizations, and local authorities. Notably, the Ministry for Digital Transformation played a central role in the discussions, presenting recent measures and policy developments aimed at improving digital access, strengthening digital skills, and promoting inclusive digital transformation nationwide. The presentation provided valuable insights into ongoing efforts to ensure that no group is left behind in the country’s digital progress.

Civil society actors and local stakeholders also contributed actively to the meeting. Representatives from Rural Coalition from Kicevo, including Kicevo municipality representatives shared insights from their involvement in the DII project, showcasing grassroots initiatives that address digital exclusion at the community level. Their contributions illustrated how local actions complement national strategies and help translate policy into tangible impact.

An important highlight of the meeting was the presentation of AINOW - Platform https://edu.ainow.mk/ for AI Literacy, developed by the member of the National Coalition the NGO AI Now as a concrete contribution to advancing digital inclusion. The platform is designed as a free and accessible tool for teachers, students, school staff, and education leaders across North Macedonia and the region. It operates offline, without tracking, and is available in English, Macedonian and Albanian language.

The introduction of the AINOW platform reinforced the understanding that digital inclusion goes beyond access to internet connectivity - it also requires access to knowledge, tools, and skills to use digital technologies meaningfully. In this context, AI literacy was highlighted as an important next step in empowering users to fully participate in the digital society.

A key part of the meeting was dedicated to identifying existing gaps and defining priority areas for further intervention. Through a collaborative discussion, participants exchanged perspectives on current challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the importance of coordinated, multi-stakeholder action in addressing digital disparities.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership among institutions, civil society, and local communities, highlighting a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion in North Macedonia. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the National Coalition continues to play a vital role in shaping inclusive digital policies and practices within the framework of the DII project.

22/04/2026

Join our free of charge upcoming webinar: “Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Trust in Digital Inclusion”

📅 April 28, 2026
⏰ 10:30 – 12:00
💻 Online (Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

Led by Rrezarta Pllana, a senior ICT and digital transformation expert, this interactive session will explore how privacy, security, and trust shape the success of digital public services.

💡 What you’ll gain:
- Practical tools to identify and reduce cybersecurity risks
- Clear understanding of GDPR principles and data protection
- Real-life scenarios and discussions you can relate to
- Strategies to build trust in digital systems and services

More on:
https://diiproject.net/news/detail/join-our-upcoming-webinar-data-privacy-cybersecurity-and-trust-in-digital-inclusion

16/04/2026

Advancing Inclusive Evaluation Practices in North Macedonia

The mentoring visit in North Macedonia, held on April 7–8, 2026, brought together key partners in Skopje and Kicevo to strengthen the foundations of an important impact evaluation process. Through close collaboration between proMENTE, Rural Coalition from Kicevo, and the Macedonian Civic Education Centre – MCEC Skopje, the visit focused on ensuring a thoughtful, inclusive, and methodologically sound approach to measuring change - particularly in advancing digital inclusion for persons with disabilities.

The primary objective of the visit was to provide support and key guidance for the implementation of the baseline impact evaluation. Attention was given to approaches for collecting data from persons with disabilities, a target group that the Rural Coalition will work with directly in the upcoming project period, aiming to enhance their digital inclusion.

During the visit, proMENTE supported the partner organizations in the use of an adapted questionnaire designed for persons with developmental difficulties, including guidance on appropriate administration methods. In addition, methodological aspects of sampling were discussed, with a special focus on establishing a comparison group, which is essential within the quasi-experimental design of the impact evaluation.

The second day of the visit was dedicated to piloting the questionnaire. Representatives of the Rural Coalition tested both the questionnaire and its administration process, collecting important feedback that will inform final adjustments ahead of the baseline data collection. This baseline measurement will be conducted shortly before the start of direct project activities with the primary beneficiaries.

15/04/2026

✅The training cycle with the second group of beneficiaries continues as part of Youth Association for Human Rights YAHR ongoing activities.

01/04/2026

Open Call for Virtual Learning Sessions Facilitators - Webinar Facilitators in DII Project

DII Project is seeking to engage three (3) regional experts in the field of digital inclusion to support the design and delivery of a series of Virtual Learning Sessions (webinars). These sessions will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, continuous learning, and collaboration among members of the DII consortium, grassroots organizations (GROs), national coalitions, and other stakeholders interested in advancing digital inclusion.

👉 Access the full call for more details: https://diiproject.net/news/detail/open-call-for-virtual-learning-sessions-facilitators

30/03/2026

Preparing to Measure Impact in Communities in Albania

On March 25 - 26, 2026, proMENTE Social Research conducted a mentoring visit in Albania, in collaboration with the Civil Society Development Center (CSDC) as a project partner, and the organization Initiative for Social Change ARSIS, which will implement community-based digital inclusion interventions in the country.

The visit focused on preparing partners for the next key step measuring the real impact of digital inclusion efforts. Support was provided to ensure that data collection tools are clear, relevant, and adapted to different groups, including students aged 10 to 18 and young people aged 18 to 29 from local communities.

The team worked on finalizing questionnaires, aligning data collection procedures, and ensuring consistency in implementation. A key highlight was testing the questionnaire in real conditions, which helped identify areas for improvement ahead of the official rollout.

Through this joint effort, partners are now well prepared to carry out a high quality and meaningful evaluation of digital inclusion interventions in Albania, contributing to stronger and more inclusive communities.

Read more on the impact of the Digital Inclusion Project in the Western Balkans on: www.diiproject.net

25/03/2026

📣Today, Youth Association for Human Rights YAHR started activities at the Community Center “Tech Cafe” in Lipjan, within the regional project “Digital Inclusion Initiative”, funded by the European Union.

24/03/2026

What does it take to turn data into meaningful impact? Collaboration, preparation, and a strong local approach.

On March 17 - 18, 2026, our partners from proMENTE Social Research joined forces with Kosova Education Center in Pristina and Lipjan to mentor the YAHR team—who will soon lead activities with project beneficiaries on the ground.

The result? A more refined approach, a better-prepared team, and a stronger foundation for the upcoming impact evaluation.

🤝 This is what regional collaboration looks like - practical, hands-on, and focused on quality.

And we’re not stopping here. Mentoring continues as we work toward data that truly reflects communities and drives change.

🔍 Learn more: https://diiproject.net/news/detail/mentoring-visit-in-kosovo

On March 17-18, 2026, proMENTE Social Research conducted a mentoring visit in Kosovo, taking place in Pristina and Lipjan. The visit was organized in collaboration with Kosova Education Center and aimed at providing support to the organization YAHR from Lipjan, which will be responsible for implemen...