Background

In today’s world, digital literacy is not a luxury anymore. It’s a lifeline. From accessing essential government information and services to applying for jobs, upskilling oneself and networking; the ability to navigate technology has become crucial to community participation. Even then, for numerous people, particularly within migrant communities, such access remains severely limited. Without the right training or tools, entire populations risk becoming excluded from equal opportunities and growth. 

Within the Middle-East, specifically globally renowned hubs like Dubai, migrant workers play an important role in supporting sectors like construction, hospitality and domestic services. 

With close to 22 million people contributing to the region’s flourishing as stated by the Gulf Cooperation Council, there also emerges the need to guarantee that these individuals are not left behind in the digital age. According to the 2020 Arab Barometer Survey , internet usage remains highly unequal across socio-econonomic lines. Foreign migrants usually arrive with minimal exposure to digital applications and without adequate technological access, face the difficulty of not being able to move ahead from informal work, limited communication and exposure to grow their potential. Not being able to engage in opportunities that require digital engagement also further isolates people that are already looking for a home away from their own; by limiting their access to adequate safety nets, job security and visibility. 

SmartStart is a project that was conceptualized to address this growing digital divide. It aims to bridge the gap through a holistic approach that combines direct access to devices with hands-on training and support. In this way, by providing vulnerable migrant populations with the resources and know-how they need, the initiative strives to be the “start” in contributing to long-term digital inclusion and overall equality and empowerment.