The aim of the digitalisation of the City of Helsinki's services is to make the services independent of time and place and, thus, facilitate the daily lives of the city's residents. Digital skills are, therefore, a new civic skill needed for social participation, alongside language skills or cultural knowledge. According to a recent statement from the Uudenmaan Digitukiverkosto (Uusimaa digital support network), digital competence should be offered to those who move to the country right from the beginning of their integration process as part of the teaching of other skills that promote integration.
Digital skills are needed today in various areas of life, from matters concerning the authorities to education and leisure. At the same time, activity in society, inclusion and equal empowerment are better made possible when people have the ability to use e-services independently. However, the aim of the City of Helsinki is also to always offer the service in the traditional way - face-to-face. The goal of digitalisation of the City of Helsinki’s services is, therefore, not to only provide services for the network alone.
The level of education and digital skills of those who have moved to Finland vary significantly. For some who move to Finland, the use of digital services is commonplace, while others may have never previously used a computer. Therefore, digital support for immigrants should also be diverse: close support for beginners and clear multilingual guidance for those further ahead in the use of e-services.
- Digital skills need to be strongly integrated into the wider integration process. Digital support experts can be actively involved in the planning of integration measures. Digital skills are a prerequisite for active social participation, says Tanna Rantanen, project manager of the Uusimaa digital support network.
It is important for digital integration that support is available and that digital ideas play a clear role alongside other teaching. It is also important that the language used in digital services is clear and understandable. A lack of language skills must not be an obstacle to the use of services and social participation. The use of electronic services should also be instructed in several languages.
Digital support is available in different parts of Helsinki - also remotely
For this reason, the City of Helsinki offers digital support to its residents, and it also offers remote digital support due to the coronavirus pandemic. The aim is that everyday life is smooth in a functional city, and the City of Helsinki helps in all digital matters! Digital support can include help with the use of equipment and online services, guidance on electronic identification, and encouragement to try and develop residents’ own digital skills independently. Digital support is provided by offices in various fields in the city, such as libraries, service centres for older people, youth and resident housing, adult education centres, customer service points, Helsinki City Information and International House Helsinki
According to a statement issued by the Uusimaa digital support network in May 2021, the digital skills of those who have moved to Finland must be strengthened as part of their integration. The declaration has been signed by Digital Support in Helsinki and 24 other parties providing digital support in Uusimaa.
More information:
- Read more about Digital Support in Helsinki: https://digi.hel.fi/english/(Link leads to external service)
- Read the entire statement of the Uusimaa digital support network via this link(Link leads to external service).
- A video version of the statement(Link leads to external service) has also been made (only in Finnish)