It Takes a Community to Bridge a Divide: Fostering Digital Inclusion through Community Technology Learning Centres

Boot R¹*

1. The Smith Family, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Digital inclusion programs are a proven approach to helping disadvantaged Australians overcome the “digital divide” and to build social capital. The digital divide is often viewed in terms of physical access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT), but digital inclusion goes beyond access. A person not only needs access, but also must possess the motivation and basic ICT skills in order to fully participate in the economic, social, political and cultural spheres of society.

The Smith Family’s initiatives in the area of digital inclusion highlights the value of a lead facilitator to drive a community centred approach that focuses on networks and partnerships to deliver sustainable social change. Digital inclusion programs are based on a community capacity building approach that provides more meaningful, sustainable and far-reaching outcomes.

This paper provides a case study on The Smith Family’s involvement in Microsoft’s global Unlimited Potential (UP) program. UP in Australia is working with over 125 community technology learning centres (CTLCs) to connect individuals and communities, and to improve lifelong learning opportunities for disadvantaged people. As lead partner, The Smith Family works “with and through” partners both in the local community and across the country towards the delivery of integrated local programs. Program activities include community consultations, assets-based reviews, customised non-formal training programs, access to low-cost PCs for home-use, and other funding and support resources for CTLCs. It is a pro-active and preventative approach to overcoming disadvantage by identifying and leveraging existing resources.

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