Nassogne: A digital public space to bridge the digital divide
Nassogne joined the Wallonia Digital Public Spaces Network. In the Fourieres patronage hall and its floor, the commune clicked to create its own EPN.
“Creating a dedicated learning space and personalizing digital technologies is crucial.“It is a very important thing,” insists José Duque, a local council member for communications and digitalization. The digital revolution is changing the way we work, communicate, consume and learn. While it is synonymous with progress and opportunity, it can also widen inequality, leaving behind those who do not have access to or master these tools. EPN is more than just a place to access the internet. It will be a space open to everyone, offering a variety of supervised activities, whether for initiation, training or individual mediation. We want everyone, whatever their age or skill level, to be able to come here, not just adults, younger ones, and our schools too.
To support EPN users, a network of digital caregivers has been set up. They will be assisted by Peggy Vandorp and Damien Bertrand. “In partnership with Altéo Luxembourg, we will offer support sessions for people with a digital divide.Jose Duque adds. Thus, our citizens will be able to learn basic IT tools and move towards digital independence, also for free.”
“Four out of 10 Walloons are not comfortable”
The local councillor, who confirmed that the EPN is located within the perimeter of the future Fourier thermal network, did not fail to thank a series of actors, citing the regional minister Willy Borsus who notably granted a subsidy of 30,000 euros for its creation, the Walloon Rural Foundation, the municipal workers, the municipal administration and the municipal advisory council of the wise (see reverse). The EPN Wallonia project manager at Technofutur TIC, Eric Blanchard, presented the official EPN plaque and the accompanying charter, and praised Nassogne for his connection to the Wallonia EPN. “Four out of 10 Walloons are not comfortable with the digital environment, yet we cannot tolerate technology.”advance this one.
Translation, Nassognard EPN was a necessity.
Individual support for the elderly
The creation of the EPN in Fourier's nursing home was not a coincidence. “Our elders here are already able to learn about computers thanks to volunteers from the Elders Community Advisory Council.“It's a very good idea,” Jose Duque notes. Thanks to a support of 20,000 euros from Minister Borsos as part of the call for projects “Digital inclusion and assistance plan for seniors”, they will be able to benefit from individual support, by appointment, to receive an answer and answer all their questions and deal with digital tools safely. Digital care providers will also inform them about traps and scams on the Internet and how to avoid them. Support can be transferred, if necessary, to village halls or to the home, if there are the necessary connections. A specific training program will also be created. CCCA and the senior groups in the entity are the front-line contacts to assess needs and expectations and propose solutions.”
Access to the EPN will be free from July 16, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment (084/220751 – [email protected]), free in both cases.