By Shams Al Nuumani
What do we mean by digital literacy and digital inclusion
Every day, around 5.45 billion people access the internet. For many, it has become such an integral part of daily life that we hardly stop to think about the privilege of having access. Yet, for some, particularly refugees trying to build a new life in a foreign country, internet access is a luxury. Just as people can be deprived of basic needs like food and water, they can also be deprived of the internet, a critical resource for those seeking to integrate into new societies.
Digital literacy, or “the ability to navigate, evaluate, and communicate information online or in a digital format,” is a crucial skill for refugees. Without it, everyday tasks such as applying for jobs, accessing public services, or staying connected with family, become overwhelming challenges.
Here in the UK, organisations like the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) are addressing this need by running Digital Literacy workshops for those who may not have mastered essential digital skills. These skills are particularly vital for refugees who may face additional language barriers when using unfamiliar programs in a foreign language.
How Organisations Empower Refugees through Digital Literacy
The ACAA, supports refugees in the UK by running digital literacy programs designed to help individuals integrate into their new environment. I spoke with Justine Seligson, the Integration Manager at ACAA, to better understand the impact of these workshops.
When asked about the most significant barriers Afghan and Central Asian refugees face in terms of digital access and literacy, Seligson noted that “the most significant barriers are language barriers (with many digital education resources not available in Farsi/Pashto) and limited experience using technology beforehand”. She further states that “in some cases, especially with older women, they are illiterate, which makes digital understanding further difficult.”
However, the ACAA’s digital literacy workshops are helping to break down these barriers, especially for female refugees. Justine stated these workshops “allow female refugees autonomy and independence in their lives, often beforehand having to rely on their husbands and children to do basic tasks that involve technology. They still struggle with practice, though, and need to continue their practice beyond the classes to be maximally effective.“
Lastly, I asked her about what she thinks are the next steps moving forward and how local organisations can help support this. She mentioned that “There needs to be more availability of digital literacy courses, both through charities like ours as well as colleges and other educational institutions. Also, the courses need to be structured specifically for this population, considering language, cultural norms and more.”
Barriers to Digital Access
In addition to the challenges of learning digital skills, refugees face significant barriers to digital access. One major issues is the cost of devices. Many refugees cannot afford smartphones, laptops, or even data packages. To address this, NGOs often provide free devices, such as phones, and laptops, as well as SIM cards with pre-loaded data. This is a crucial step toward bridging the digital divide.
The British Red Cross has reported that digital exclusion can prevent asylum seekers from booking essential appointments, ordering prescriptions, or navigating services like the NHS. In a world where nearly everything, from healthcare to communications happens online, being excluded from the digital world can have a severe impact on personal well-being.
Furthermore, digital exclusion isn’t just about access to services; it also deeply affects refugees’ mental health. For those who are far from home, the internet is often the only way to stay in touch with family and loved ones. Being cut off from this lifeline can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, compounding the difficulties of adjusting to life in a foreign country.
Why Combating Digital Exclusion is Critical
Access to digital tools plays a vital role in enhancing social inclusion. Digital literacy enables individuals to participate more fully in their communities, whether by connecting with local services, engaging in educational opportunities, or maintaining relationships with family. In contrast, digital exclusion can leave individuals feeling isolated, excluded, and unable to access the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
For those with medical conditions, a lack of digital access can delay crucial healthcare interventions, creating yet another layer of vulnerability. Therefore, it is vital that we continue to expand digital access for refugee communities.
Recommendations and Conclusions
To ensure that digital inclusion continues to grow within refugee communities, local organisations and educational institutions must prioritise offering accessible digital literacy courses. These programs should be tailored to the unique needs of refugees, considering language barriers and cultural considerations.
Moreover, raising awareness about the organisations providing digital access and support is essential. You can contribute to this cause by donating to the ACAA or learning more about their work using the link below.
https://acaa.org.uk/our-work/refugee-aid/
References
Data: DataReportal (2024). Digital around the World. [online] DataReportal. Available at: https://datareportal.com/global-digital-overview.
What is digital Literacy: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/hub/what-is-digital-literacy.html
Red Cross Information: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/we-speak-up-for change/how-digital-exclusion-impacts-access-to-healthcare-for-people-seeking-asylum-in-the-uk
Image: https://acaa.org.uk
