Evaluation of the Digital Assets & Training for Rural Innovative Solutions Project

Tender description

INTRODUCTIONDeep rural poverty is often hidden and reliable statistics are not readily available at the level of smaller communities, and nor do pockets of deprivation show up in overall figures for given communities. Therefore, the approach taken by this project, in line with the methodologies PLANED has developed over many years, is a whole-community approach in which no-one is singled out or targeted, but the capacity of the whole community is enhanced, building on local strengths, assets, skills, knowledge and opportunities.The DATRIS Project, in co-operation with village halls as satellites, will enable a number of people to access the information and support services. The volunteer advocacy services will up-skill individuals in IT skills and develop the abilities of individuals to interact and gain knowledge.PROJECT OVERVIEWThe DATRIS project provides a resource, delivered by the Co-ordinator and the project activity, to work with, nurture and build the capacity of volunteers in the community who themselves will contribute to the development and delivery of the project. The DATRIS initiative ultimately will provide a ‘support network’ which connects and builds on the strengths and assets of people, their skills and resources, as well contributing to the sustainability of the Halls as the Hub of community life.RATIONALETo provide an innovative grassroots approach which will enable rural communities to have access to technology, support and services.THE DATRIS PROJECTThe following outcomes will be met as a result of the project activities.1. Local residents experience less isolation and digital exclusion2. Increased capacity for citizen-led support networks at community level3. Rural community halls maximise their potential and become hubs for information sharing, skill development, digital inclusion and community support4. Learning is captured and shared and a project evaluation report has been delivered