The DESIRE project aims to help bridge the digital divide in rural areas. To this end, the DESIRE project has pursued the following objectives: - To promote experiences, using a variety of approaches, in digital education in rural areas - To equip digital educators, whether employee or volunteer, working in rural areas - To facilitate networking among the various organisations involved in digital education and/or social inclusion in rural areas.
The DESIRE project aims to strengthen digital education in rural areas. Indeed, various studies (the report on ‘poverty and social exclusion’ published by the European Commission, the 2020 Digital Economy and Society Index, etc.) show that poverty and social exclusion are exacerbated in rural areas due to a low level of digital literacy. Yet digital technology has become indispensable for everyday life and for accessing public services. The need for digital education is heightened in rural areas by: - Fewer digital training courses and support services compared to urban areas - A high number of people living in isolation - Transport difficulties - The need for a proactive approach to reach people by organisations offering digital training and/or support.