Digitalisation minister Marc Hansen (l.) and Pit Peporté, president of Erwuessebilding during the press conference on Monday Photo: MinDigital

Digitalisation minister Marc Hansen (l.) and Pit Peporté, president of Erwuessebilding during the press conference on Monday Photo: MinDigital

The digitalisation ministry has teamed up with lifelong learning not-for-profit Erwuessebildung to offer programmes in digital literacy aimed specifically at adults.

The ministry and the in February signed a partnership to develop training opportunities for adults in the digital domain as part of Luxembourg’s digitalisation drive.

“For those who want to go digital, it is essential to give them the means to develop their digital skills which will guarantee a correct and safe use of these new tools,” said digitalisation minister Marc Hansen at a press conference on Monday.

While the use of the internet and email, social media or video call services is quotidian for many, a lack of skills in this area can isolate especially older people. During the pandemic, for example, charities distributed tablets among the elderly who were in lockdown away from their families to help them communicate and feel less lonely.

Erwuessebildung since 2003 offers what it calls an internet driver’s licence, or Internetführerschein, which will now be expanded with the help of the ministry.

A beginner’s course over 12 lessons teaches basic computer functionalities, using search engines, opening an email account, managing contacts, using text editing programmes and other essentials.

A follow-up programme teaches learners how to use communication applications, such as Zoom, the cloud, e-shopping and social media. It also includes awareness on fake news and media mindfulness.

In addition to the internet beginner’s themselves, the not-for-profit is also offering training to organisations wishing to host these kinds of courses.

The courses are taught in English, French, German and Portuguese using Mac or Windows systems.

A programme on online banking is in preparation.