Digital Literacy for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees
In today's Switzerland, digital competence is a basic requirement for inclusion. From communicating with schools and authorities to navigating transport or applying for jobs, life is increasingly digital. This is why we have created a program called 'Digital Tools for Life in Switzerland', which has already had two successful pilot rounds in Bern. It is a peer-led, digital skills program for refugees and asylum-seekers in Switzerland, living in temporary accommodation centres.
Practical digital skills for daily life
A 5-week, community-powered course that helps refugees use essential digital tools for life, work, and integration in Switzerland.
The topics covered include:
- Everyday Life: Useful Apps
- SBB
- Google Maps
- Banking
- Email writing and Online calendar
- Email Interface
- Attachments
- Professional email etiquette
- Calendar events
- Online/Internet searches
- Job searching platforms
- Looking for accommodation
- Finding key information
- Professional Life
- Online Communication: Video calls, Online interviews
- LinkedIn profiles & Digital CVs
- Artificial Intelligence
- Practical application
- Misinformation and Ethical use
The Impact so far
after 2 Pilot rounds in Bern (2024 & 2025)
92% of participants
92% of participants
feel confident to apply for jobs online and use digital public services
100% of participants
100% of participants
reported planning to continue learning digital skills and feeling confident to write an email search for information online
From 3.7 to 4.6/5
From 3.7 to 4.6/5
average confidence in using a computer rose
“I used ChatGPT and other tools for consistent, professional and flawless emails. I found it quite good for my German learning journey as well.”
“I saw and applied what we learned in daily life, sending e-mails, wanting to go somewhere, setting a calendar to avoid forgetting appointments, using chatgpt, and many other things about using the internet.”
“It’s really useful as we know that the foundation is the most important of each and every activity, therefore it really opens the door and really motivated me to continue this learning journey and really helps in daily life.”
Our Partnership with Migros Kulturprozent
We are proud to announce that the Digital Tools for Life in Switzerland program is supported by Migros Kulturprozent – Get Connected!.
Thanks to this funding, we are taking the next step in the program’s development:
- Integrating an AI-based learning tool to accompany participants on their journey.
- Making the course even more accessible and personalised, with content available in multiple languages and formats (reading, listening, speaking, watching).
- Allowing in-person workshops to focus on peer-to-peer learning and practical exercises, while the AI tool supports participants individually at their own pace.
This partnership is a major milestone in expanding the program and ensuring it reaches more people who are at risk of social exclusion due to digital barriers.
We thank Migros Kulturprozent for their commitment to breaking down barriers, increasing access, and creating opportunities for all.
Get Involved: Partner with us
Are you committed to fostering digital inclusion and supporting equal opportunities in Switzerland?
We are looking for implementation partners and supporters to help us bridge the digital divide for people with refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
By partnering with us, you can:
- Fund a course round to expand access for more participants in Switzerland.
- Host a program at your centre (e.g. asylum centre, community hub) to reach people directly where they live.
Your contribution can make a tangible difference in empowering participants to navigate daily life and integration in Switzerland with confidence.
Join us in building an inclusive digital industry! If you are interested in partnering or supporting this initiative, please contact andrea.elkin@powercoders.org
Team
Supporting Partners
