Digital literacy in Europe is generally low. According to DESI (the Digital Economy and Society Index), only 56% of the Europen population possess basic digital skills, which include information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, and security and problem-solving skills. Such skills would have a significant impact on the productivity and efficiency of NGO work. But despite this, NGO employees typically have not had access to tailored digital education. 

Now, Riga TechGirls (RTG) has launched a new program called DigitalABC that looks to reduce the digital skills gap among NGO employees. The organization that has long advocated for gender equality in technology now aims to promote the digital education of NGO employees.

“As an NGO ourselves, we know the everyday struggles all too well, and we know how digital skills and tools can help overcome them. They can make teamwork more efficient, ease collaboration between partners and the target audience, as well as free up the most important resource – time,” stresses Pauls Silins, Co-creator at Riga TechGirls.

Digital education for NGOs – necessity, not just luxury

NGOs, the backbone of social change and community empowerment, are often driven by passion while grappling with limited resources. In such an environment, technology is an enabler of efficiency – from fundraising and recruiting to team management and campaign execution, digital skills could help NGO employees do more with the same resources.

RTG has extensive experience in digital skills training. Over 22,000 individuals have attended their previous programs that have been tailored for educators, creators, and healthcare professionals. DigitalABC is the organization's latest initiative, aiming at equipping NGO employees with the digital skills they need to drive their missions forward. 

The modules — spanning product & project management, data, digital tools, and emerging tech — are carefully curated to align with the specific needs of NGOs. “We're placing a focus on developing skills that NGOs require the most in their work,” explains Pauls Silins.

Applications are open, and anyone can apply

The DigitalABC program, backed by Google.org, is RTG's first international program. It's free and will be held online to make it accessible to NGOs of all sizes and locations. Applications are already open, and anyone, regardless of gender, can apply at digitalabc.org.

The program will begin on September 18th and will continue until December 6, 2023.

RTG has more than 6 years of experience in providing trainings, workshops, inspirational events, hackathons, mentorships, educational programs, full-day conferences, and scholarship programs for learning technology. Through its experience, RTG has learned that the safe and friendly environment it creates makes it accessible for people of all ages to learn about technology.