Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau supports DIGITAL SISTERS

Good Things Foundation Australia, in partnership with HOST International, has selected the diverse organisations that will participate in our new bi-lingual digital literacy program, Digital Sisters. Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau is one of the funded organizations taking part in this program to support women in digital literacy.

Representatives from the 20 participating organisations have started to co-design the Digital Sisters program and consider the diverse needs of their communities. Soon, they’ll engage bi-lingual digital mentors, who will help and inspire learners to build their digital confidence and skills. These mentors will then provide digital skills support to around 800 women aged between 18 and 50 through the program.

“We know that gaining digital literacy skills and confidence can help to open doors and provide migrant and refugee women with life-changing access to social connection, employment and essential services. This program will be powerful in supporting women to be more digitally connected. Its strength will be the incredible breadth and span of the amazing organisations that are involved,” says Wilson.

Funded by the Department of Social Services, the program will empower refugee and newly arrived migrant women to build the digital skills and confidence they need to fully participate in Australian society.

Digital Sisters is a one-year pilot program, with training for the 800 program recipients starting towards the end of the year.

“We really believe that Digital Sisters will help change the lives of migrant and refugee women and help to close the digital gap, for good,” says Wilson. “We look forward to working with the successful applicants and co-designing our first Digital Sisters project together.”

Good Things Foundation is a national digital inclusion and social change charity. It helps people who are digitally excluded to benefit from the digital world, by providing access to support and technology to learn essential digital skills. Its programs have been proven to increase digital skills, safety, confidence, and social connection.

HOST International is an Australian charity seeking to make life better for migrants and refugees through programs that foster humanity, hope and dignity for all.

Albury-Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau are a not-for-profit organisation who assist people in the Albury and Wodonga region to find meaningful and suitable volunteer opportunities. Working alongside volunteer accepting organisations, we refer volunteers to a range of roles within their interest, skills, and capabilities. Contact us on 0260 210 990 or go to our website www.vrb.org.au and to the tab called Opportunities: https://vrb.org.au/opportunities/ , for a list of volunteer roles. Organisations, please contact the Volunteer Management Officer to discuss the volunteer roles you have and our membership packages to suit you on 02 6021 0990.

For more information on the digital literacy support go to:

Digital Sisters resources library | Be Connected (beconnectednetwork.org.au)

Contact Adrienne Petty, at Albury Wodonga Volunteer Resource Bureau on 0466 634 135.