In November 2023, the Erasmus+ project “Digital Inclusivity Drive: Bridging the Gap for Youth Workers” gathered youth workers from across Europe in the coastal town of Benalmádena, Spain. The aim of this international training was to help youth professionals understand the importance of digital inclusion and learn how to support marginalized young people in accessing and using digital technologies. The project addressed challenges related to the growing digital divide and offered practical strategies to make technology more inclusive and accessible. For many youth workers, this training came at an important time, as they were already witnessing the increasing role of digital tools in education, employment, and communication. The experience was a chance to learn new skills, connect with others facing similar challenges, and return home with a renewed sense of purpose.
In Italy, the digital divide continues to affect young people, especially those in small towns, migrant communities, or economically fragile situations. While big cities often have strong digital infrastructure, some rural areas still lack stable internet access and digital equipment in public spaces and schools. In many youth centers, there are not enough devices for every young person, and the digital skills of both youth and educators vary greatly. This gap became more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when online learning became a necessity, but not everyone could participate equally. Some young people were left behind simply because they did not have a laptop or did not understand how to use online platforms. In migrant communities, language barriers made things even harder. For youth workers from Associazione Minerva, the situation was frustrating. They wanted to help but often felt they lacked the right tools or resources. They realized that knowing how to use technology was not enough. It was important to also teach it in a way that respects different needs and experiences.
The training in Benalmádena gave youth workers new ways to look at technology. The sessions were designed to be interactive, showing not only how digital tools work, but how they can be made inclusive for everyone. One activity that stood out was about navigating websites as a person with limited vision or someone who does not speak the main language. Participants tried to fill out online forms or search for information using tools adapted for people with disabilities. Many found it difficult and frustrating, which helped them understand the daily experiences of those with fewer digital skills or special needs. Another highlight was the exchange of experiences between participants. Some shared how they created local libraries of digital guides, others spoke about organizing peer-to-peer sessions for young people to teach each other how to use apps or search for jobs online. These stories gave everyone the motivation to think about what could be done at home.
After returning to Italy, the team at Associazione Minerva decided to act. Inspired by the training, they started a local project called “Equal Click.” The goal was to bring digital education to young people in a simple, respectful, and practical way. They set up weekly workshops in a community center where young people could learn basic digital skills in a relaxed environment. The sessions were held in small groups to allow for personal attention. Volunteers were also trained to help with language support, so that migrant youth could fully participate. The workshops covered things like how to write a CV, how to use email, how to apply for jobs or school programs online, and how to stay safe on the internet. To make the experience more inclusive, the team also created simple digital guides in multiple languages and offered one-on-one digital coaching for those who needed extra help.
The response to the “Equal Click” project was positive and encouraging. Many young people who had never used a computer confidently before started attending the sessions regularly. Some even brought their friends and siblings. One participant, a teenager from a nearby migrant community, shared that he was finally able to apply for a part-time job because he learned how to send an email with attachments. Another participant said she felt less afraid of technology and was now helping her grandmother set up video calls with relatives abroad. Teachers from nearby schools noticed the change too. They said the students who joined the project seemed more motivated and engaged. Some started doing better in class simply because they no longer felt lost when asked to complete digital tasks. Parents appreciated the initiative as well. For many, it was the first time their children were learning something useful that also helped the whole family.
The impact of the project extended beyond the workshops. Seeing the success of “Equal Click,” other local organizations began showing interest. A public library offered space for digital learning sessions, and the municipality agreed to promote the project through its youth programs. Associazione Minerva also started a small online platform where young people could access the guides and tutorials from home. This made the project even more accessible, especially for those who could not always attend in person. What started as a simple idea grew into a broader movement in the community—one that promoted inclusion, access, and empowerment through technology.
Looking ahead, the youth workers at Associazione Minerva continue to believe in the importance of digital inclusion. The experience in Benalmádena was more than just a training; it was a turning point. It showed that technology, when used with care and understanding, can be a powerful tool for social change. Youth workers now feel more prepared to support diverse young people in a digital world. They see themselves not just as helpers, but as bridge builders between the online and offline lives of youth. By making sure no one is left behind, they are helping to create a future where all young people—regardless of background or ability—can learn, grow, and fully participate in society. The work continues, but the foundation has been set. With strong values, community support, and the lessons learned from international cooperation, digital inclusion is no longer just a goal—it is becoming a reality.