Kick-off of the new EU-funded project REDI: Rural Empowerment Through Digital Inclusion
The kick-off event of the new European Union-funded project “REDI: Rural Development Through Digital Inclusion” was held at Tech Park Ozurgeti, with the aim to present the project and its benefits to the stakeholders and the local population. The event was followed by the Digital Fair with various engaging activities.
The kick-off event put forward the Team Europe approach under the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) “Balanced Territorial Growth”, launched in June 2023, with REDI being one of the highlight projects under it, implemented by two EU member states – Estonia (eGovernance Academy (eGA)) and Poland (Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL)).
The newly launched EU-funded “REDI” project contributes to the overarching goals of enhancing local development and fostering economic growth by bridging the digital gap between rural and urban areas in Georgia through improved connectivity infrastructure and enhanced digital literacy.
Nicholas Cendrowicz, the Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, opened an event by noting “We are supporting the Georgian people’s aspiration to join the EU, and one of the ways to do this is by helping citizens’ inclusion and participation. In 2024, that means working on digitalisation and citizens’ access to democratic processes and economic opportunities. REDI project will equip citizens with skills. We strive to bridge the digital gap between rural and urban areas in Georgia. REDI is part of Team Europe Initiative for Balanced Territorial Development. The Team Europe approach is about the EU and its member states joining forces for the benefit of the people of Georgia.”
The welcoming remarks have also been delivered by the representatives of Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL), eGovernance Academy (eGA), as well as embassies of Estonia and Poland.
The event was attended by representatives of civil society, local government, business, state agencies, youth and civic leaders of the Guria region and locals from different areas of Guria.
At the Digital Fair, participants took part in numerous activities, such as travelling in the virtual world with VR glasses, participating in a Robotics Workshop and a drone show, playing quizzes about the European Union and its member states, and learned how the EU support enhances digitalisation in Georgia’s regions.
About the European Union
For over 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation and financial support. The relationship between the EU and Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support in Georgia https://eu4georgia.eu/the-european-union-in-georgia/
About the project
The EU-funded project “REDI” mainly targets vulnerable groups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and citizens living in sparsely populated rural areas across Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Imereti, and Kakheti regions by establishing public internet access points and digital rural hubs, as well as advancing digital skills in 200 villages. The project is implemented by the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) and eGovernance Academy (eGA).