BESTIE stimulates intergenerational cooperation bringing together seniors, migrants, refugees & young people, accompanied by adult educators, to tackle digital & social exclusion. Together, they are tackling essential skills deficits. The project is part of an Inclusion and Diversity approach, and responds to 2 major challenges in adult education: enriching the quality learning offer and promoting the emergence of innovative learning centres. BESTIE offers an innovative approach that combines digital and social skills. This initiative specifically targets senior citizens, migrants and refugees, as well as young people, through participative & accessible activities that capitalise on community assets to meet the challenges of inclusion. In addition, BESTIE qualifies adult educators to provide training in digital skills, making digital progress a vector for social cohesion. This project stands out for its strategy to combat digital exclusion, not by multiplying digital opportunities, but by promoting intergenerational exchanges & genuine human links, strengthening inclusion within society.
COVID-19 precipitated digital use in education, work and social services, risking the exclusion of the most vulnerable, such as senior citizens, migrants, refugees and some young people, for whom the lack of digital skills leads to isolation and loss of autonomy. BESTIE's response is not to provide more digital opportunities, but rather a community exchange that strengthens intergenerational links. The project is developing learning environments for digital inclusion to strengthen participants' social and digital skills. Senior citizens, who are often excluded from the digital age, benefit from digital skills that enable them to remain integrated in a connected society. Migrants and refugees, who are already at risk, improve their social and digital inclusion, overcoming language and technological barriers. As for young people, who are often already digitally literate, BESTIE enables them to develop communication and leadership skills, as well as a reputation as educators and community supporters, thereby improving their employment prospects and community links.