The main aim of Capgemini’s Digital Literacy programs is to empower local communities, reduce inequality, and support the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Behind the programs stands Capgemini SE (with funding fully provided by the Capgemini Corporation), together with a range of NGOs active on local, regional, national, and global level throughout the globe.
Digital Literacy Programs – main activities
The Digital Literacy programs run in several EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands), as well as in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, China, India, Brazil, Morocco and Guatemala.
Highlighted activities country to country
In France, Capgemini worked with close to 1000 students in a program called ‘Des Pros dans ta classe’ (or ‘the pros in your class‘ in English), organising a series of classroom workshops with the aim of sparking youngsters’ interest in the world of technology and get them to think about a digital career in the future. Another goal is challenging gender stereotypes and fostering diversity in the field. The Digital Caravan project running in Morocco directly addresses the lack of digital literacy in children in rural areas: kids go through several stages spread across 4 modules and get to learn the basics of Scratch Programming cybersecurity awareness, and work on animated web pages.
In Italy, an established partnership with the Librì-Progetti Educative supports the ‘Futuri Fantastici e dove trovarli’’ (“Fantastic Futures and Where to Find Them”) program. The project aims to introduce the concept and importance of STEM subjects by providing training kits to students aged 12-13 and promoting girls in STEM in particular. The Italian program reached 11.300 students with information on STEM initiatives and training. A similar collaboration with Zwolnieni z Teorii in Poland made possible a mentorship program with almost 100 young people, with 16 projects in digital inclusion (and 12 on the topic of digital literacy).
Connecting access to learning
Capgemini’s initiative encompasses several donation programs of digital equipment (PCs, laptop and other digital devices) targeted at underprivileged communities and localities. In 2023, the set of programs was expanded further to maximise the positive impact on digital literacy levels. Over 8.000 donations have so far been made in Germany, Spain and France, with numerous volunteers ensuring access and learning go hand in hand via basic digital skills teaching sessions.
Why is this a good practice?
The programs on digital literacy and inclusion have succeeded in reaching more than 850.000 beneficiaries all over the world (and over 112.000 in Europe) through various activities with the goal of ensuring everyone can thrive in a digital future.
Through collaboration with NGOs and social partners, Capgemini ensures the programs on offer are both sustainable and effective. This strategic approach makes knowledge-exchange possible by leveraging first-hand insight on challenges, needs and aspirations. Digital inclusion programs are facilitated via strategic partnerships with renowned NGOs such as the Once Foundation, Adecco Foundation, Uni-cité Solidarité, Innov’Avenir, and Arpejeh with a focus on individuals with disabilities.
The project has been replicated in various countries in line with efforts to promote continuous scalability and use and re-use best practices from one country in the next. To grow the programs further, Capgemini is looking into the intersection of green and digital skills – and in 2023 joined forces with both UNICEF and Generation Unlimited to launch the Green Rising Initiative (a boost in investment within activities for global youth upskilling over 3 years). Capgemini is also part of the EDISON Alliance – a collaborative initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF) expected to connect 1 billion people by 2025.