Digital exclusion has real-life consequences

Digital equity and inclusion — what is it? We live in an increasingly digital world, which is constantly changing. From social connections, to information, to goods and services and even essential services (to name a few), all of these elements of our lives are requiring increased digital literacy.

Digital equity and inclusion is about ensuring all people have what they need to contribute to, benefit from and participate in the digital world. Digital equity and inclusion is a human right.

We often hear the term ‘‘bridging the digital divide’’, as if there is one divide to bridge, but in reality there are many intersecting factors that can impact a person’s digital literacy and equity, there is no one-size fits all remedy.

The Government has its vision laid out in the ‘‘Digital Inclusion Blueprint — Te Mahere mō te Whakaurunga Matihiko’’, and libraries have long been at the coalface of this mahi, along with many other key organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Senior Net.

We see the effects and reallife impacts of digital exclusion every day, from the library floor.

Libraries may bear witness to digital exclusion, but it also means we are uniquely placed to be part of the solution.

As essential community spaces, we offer free services, programming and events that work towards increasing digital equity and inclusion.

Part of my role as Digital Inclusion Coordinator is to facilitate this programming, and while Covid has put a halt on it this last little while, I am thrilled that it is finally making its comeback.

This Wednesday, August 17, we are honoured to host author and national Cyber Security expert John Parsons, for two public talks on ‘‘Internet Health, Safety and Wellbeing’’. These will be at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō , and are free.

There’s two sessions, one aimed at the needs of older adults and seniors, at 10am11.30am.

The second session is aimed at the needs of parents and guardians who may want guidance on how to navigate the digital world with their child/children. This session will be at 5.30pm-7pm.

While Wednesday’s talk is a one off event, we have plenty of regular digital inclusion programming.

We are running free digital learning classes throughout the year, as well as monthly Digital Drop-In sessions.

You can Book a Librarian for some one-on-one help, find out how to utilise our eLibrary and digital resources, as well as get low-cost internet through the Skinny JUMP programme.

For more information on this programming contact me on 368 1953 or lealaf@horowhenua.govt.nz, or go to www.tetakere.org.nz