Digital inclusion and equal opportunities

The importance of digital inclusion

for disadvantaged groups in Switzerland

Initial situation

Digital inclusion is no longer an option, but a prerequisite for social participation. However, people on low incomes or older people in particular run the risk of losing their digital connection. A lack of financial resources prevents the purchase of laptops, while high internet costs create additional pressure. Without access to the digital world, the use of online services - whether for job applications, education, banking transactions or social benefits - becomes an insurmountable hurdle. At the same time, more and more authorities, employers and educational institutions require a digital presence.

Despite this growing importance of digital participation, there is no nationwide solution from the federal government in Switzerland. While digital devices and internet access are taken for granted by many, people living in poverty are often left to fend for themselves. Wir lernen weiter closes this gap by refurbishing donated laptops and making them available to people in need.

Challenges of Wir lernen weiter

Solution strategy

A sustainable solution for digital inclusion requires direct access for those affected without having to rely on intermediary partners. Currently, only official partner organisations and municipalities can order devices, which excludes many people affected by poverty who urgently need digital participation.

A direct allocation process would ensure that support arrives quickly and unbureaucratically where it is needed. In addition, a centralised, national solution would circumvent the challenges of federalism by offering everyone in Switzerland the same opportunities for digital integration, regardless of their canton of residence. This would prevent anyone from falling through the cracks due to regional differences or a lack of partnerships.

Possible timeline

Conclusion

Digital participation is a basic prerequisite for education, work and social integration. The lack of a solution from the federal government is fuelling inequality in these areas. Many remain without support.

Wir lernen weiter already closes this gap, but can massively increase the potential by providing devices directly to those affected. In this way, we enable unbureaucratic access to the digital world and create new opportunities.

This direct delivery ensures that help arrives where it is really needed - regardless of where you live or existing partnerships. Those affected can be supported more quickly and easily without having to rely on lengthy clarification processes.