A joint initiative of Australia Post and Infoxchange, Go Digi is a program designed to improve digital literacy rates and promote inclusion. According to research data from the CSIRO, one in five Australians are not online and are excluded from the social, educational and health benefits that online connectivity provides.
The Go Digi program is an online platform that facilitates digital learning and literacy. Learners are linked with mentors and network partners, and provided with learning guides, face-to-face learning opportunities and community pop-up event invitations. There is also a series of talks called Digital Conversations that will be held in regional and capital cities around the country.
Andrew Walduck, Australia Post Executive General Manager and Chief Information Officer, said that the Go Digi program will be a means of connecting individuals from Australian communities. In particular, the program will benefit aging citizens, those in regional or remote locations, Indigenous communities, culturally diverse communities and small businesses.
“Technology has changed the way we live our lives and how we connect with people. We want to encourage community members, regardless of their age, background or location, to gain the skills and confidence to interact online and build better digital connections,” said Mr Walduck.
“To deliver Go Digi at a scale and to communities most in need, we are developing a Community Partner Network to amplify and accelerate the great work currently undertaken by local governments, libraries, neighbourhood houses and other not-for-profit organisations.”
David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer of Infoxchange, commented that “Many Australians are missing out on the benefits of being connected and participating in the digital world – and that’s not necessarily by choice”.
“The major barrier restricting people from getting online is confidence, which is why Go Digi is focused on building skills through face-to-face learning, community mentoring and leveraging network partners already established within their communities.”