By Gabriela Popescu | Project Leader
We are pleased to present the outcomes of the project Steps towards digital educationa, a targeted initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for vulnerable youth in Suceava County. This project was implemented by Te Aud Romania, with support from the NGO Ateliere Fara Frontiere through the national campaign Dam Click pe România.
In the course of this project, 20 children aged between 12 and 14, currently under the care of the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (D.G.A.S.P.C.) Suceava, received refurbished computers. These children, placed with professional foster carers, extended family members, or unrelated guardians, were previously without individual access to digital learning tools. The provision of these devices marked a significant step forward in their educational journey, enabling them to learn in a modern, connected environment.
This intervention was particularly critical given the socio-economic context of Suceava County. According to the most recent data from the National Commission for Strategy and Prognosis, Suceava ranks among the poorest counties in Romania, with a GDP per capita of only 9,490 RON and a development rate at the lower end of the national spectrum. Furthermore, D.G.A.S.P.C. Suceava holds the third highest number of children in residential care in the North-East region and ranks fourth in terms of the number of professional foster carers.
The challenges faced by children in the child protection system are multifaceted, with digital exclusion being one of the most pressing. The lack of basic digital skills and access to IT equipment significantly hinders their ability to participate in modern education. This issue is exacerbated in rural and small urban areas, where poverty and limited resources further restrict opportunities for digital learning.
The urgency of this issue is underscored by national statistics. A 2023 article published by Wall-Street highlighted that Romanian students are among the least digitally literate in Europe. Additionally, a 2020 study by IRES revealed that 32% of students in Romania’s pre-university education system do not have exclusive access to a functional digital device.
Our project directly addressed this gap by equipping 20 children from the 12–14 age group with refurbished computers. These children are part of a larger cohort of 221 children in this age range currently in the protection system in Suceava County, of whom 73 are placed with relatives or unrelated families. The majority of these children reside in rural or small urban areas, where access to technology is particularly limited.
By providing these children with the necessary tools to engage in digital education, the project contributed to reducing technological disparities and promoting equal access to educational resources. In the digital age, developing strong digital competencies is essential for navigating modern society and achieving long-term personal and professional success.
This initiative, though modest in scale, has had a profound impact. It represents a meaningful investment in the future of these children, empowering them to pursue their education with dignity and confidence. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters and donors, whose commitment and generosity made this project possible.
Together, we have taken a small step with a big impact.
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