Empowering Rural Communities through the Our Digital Village Project

Digital transformation is reshaping education, work, and everyday life. Yet, many rural areas across Europe lag behind their urban counterparts in digital skills, a gap that became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Digital Village, a project co-funded by Erasmus+ and implemented across seven European countries, aims to bridge this digital divide. By promoting both digital and transversal skills, this initiative helps prepare rural communities for the future while fostering social inclusion and economic opportunities.

According to the EU's Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), only 48% of rural residents possess basic digital skills, compared to 62% in urban areas. This digital divide disadvantages rural areas in education, employment, and broader social participation. Our Digital Village directly addresses these challenges, focusing on rural areas' unique needs by providing tailored, high-quality educational materials and training to both young and adult learners.

Key objectives and activities:

1. Self-analysis workshops: Our Digital Village engages local communities through participatory self-analysis workshops using the Reciprocal Maieutic Approach (RMA). These workshops bring together community members, educators, and policymakers to identify the specific digital needs of their rural areas. The process fosters a shared sense of responsibility for change and builds motivation to improve digital skills.
2. Co-design of educational materials: One of the project's innovative aspects is its co-design approach. Teachers, trainers, and ICT experts collaborate to develop educational materials that are not only aligned with national curricula but also adapted to the specific cultural and geographic contexts of each rural community. This bottom-up process ensures that the educational content is relevant, impactful, and responsive to local needs.
3. Training and ICT implementation: The project offers specialized training for educators using digital tools such as coding, robotics, 3D modelling, and app development. These tools are incorporated into community-based ICT courses that enhance digital and transversal skills—such as problem-solving, creativity, and communication—among young and adult learners. This holistic approach ensures that participants are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital world.
4. Evaluation and dissemination: Throughout the project, participatory evaluation tools are employed to assess the impact of the educational materials and training. Our Digital Village also emphasizes dissemination, sharing its results through local events, online summits, and international conferences. By involving policymakers and stakeholders from the beginning, the project creates a sustainable impact that can extend beyond the immediate target regions.

One of Our Digital Village's core goals is to create long-lasting benefits for rural communities. The project aims to improve digital skills and inspire long-term digital transformation. By involving local educators and policymakers, Our Digital Village ensures that the skills and knowledge developed during the project will continue to benefit rural communities long after it ends. The establishment of local Digital Village Communities further supports this objective, fostering ongoing collaboration and innovation. ​

Our Digital Village is a pioneering initiative that seeks to reduce the digital divide in rural Europe through a holistic, community-driven approach. By fostering digital literacy, encouraging co-creation, and promoting long-term sustainability, the project empowers rural communities to embrace the opportunities of the digital age. Through its innovative methodology, participatory workshops, and collaborative design processes, Our Digital Village ensures that rural European communities can thrive in a digitalized future.

Project's website: https://ourdigitalvillage.erasmus.site