Halle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Many Belgians struggle with digital skills (39% low-skilled, 7% never online). In Halle Open Armen created DigiDoolhof to show these challenges. Lisa Dehaze highlights how this affects access to essential services.
According to the officials, we use computers and the internet for everything these days, like banking, getting papers, finding jobs, and even having meetings. But a lot of people in Halle don’t know how to use them very well. A study found that 39% of people in Belgium only know a little bit about computers, and 7% have never used the internet.
Lisa Dehaze, who assists those in need, says, this is a huge issue for individuals who do not have computers or internet in their homes, since this makes it even more difficult for them to access the things they require.
She mentioned that most organizations that assist individuals do not know how extensive this issue is, and therefore they complicate things further for individuals who do not know how to use computers. We should do something so that everyone has access to what they require even if they do not know how to use computers.
How does Open Armen’s DigiDoolhof reveal digital struggles?
One team, “Open Armen,” created a board game, “DigiDoolhof” (Digital Maze), to educate individuals about how difficult it is for those who have no idea about using computers. The game resembles life, whereby you need to complete forms, schedule appointments, and seek assistance, but without a computer and internet.
According to officials, this helps people who work with others, and the government, see how hard it is for people who don’t know how to use computers. It makes people think about how to make things easier for everyone, so that no one is left behind in our world that is becoming more digital.
The game “DigiDoolhof” (Digital Maze) shows players as they are struggling financially. They have to reach a goal but face obstacles like long phone waits and long bus rides. These challenges are based on real experiences shared by people who get help from Open Armen.
The game is meant to be played by organisations, companies, schools, and service providers, alongside people who have limited digital skills. Officials mentioned that this way, everyone can experience the difficulties firsthand and discuss ways to make things easier for those who are struggling in a digital world.
Lisa explains,
The less digitally skilled you are, the harder it is.
