Virtual Digital Cafés to break isolation of young people

Virtual Digital Cafés to break isolation of young people
—  2nd edition of Digital Youth Month

Montreal, February 3, 2021 – Young people are experiencing the repercussions of the pandemic by reducing their social contacts. In this context, Montreal Digital Spring (Printemps numérique) is introducing virtual digital Cafés to several Quebec high schools. A way to discover digital tools in an immersive environment designed in collaboration with Pixsenses.

“Inspired by video games, the virtual world offers a wide range of possibilities” explains Mehdi Benboubakeur, Executive Director of Montreal Digital Spring. “Young people create their own avatars, have access to fun and interactive workshops and can communicate with their teammates. It’s much more dynamic and attractive than regular videoconferencing platforms“. This virtual universe could also be used as a distance learning tool.

Throughout the month of February, Montreal Digital Spring presents the second edition of Digital Youth Month (Mois Numérique Jeunesse), an annual event for 13-29 year olds focusing on the transformative possibilities of digital technology. More than 18 digital Cafés are offered to 750 high school students. Young participants will be able to explore the potential of technology and their interest, learn about careers, as well as existing initiatives to increase their digital literacy skills. A video contest is also being launched to allow young adults enrolled in post-secondary education to express themselves on the topic of digital citizenship and the essential components of living together online.

Recent statistics speak for themselves : 

• The demand for skilled digital talent in Canada will reach 305,000 by 2023, for a total of more than 2 million workers in the digital economy [Information and Communications Technology Council – October 2019];
• An estimated 97 million new jobs will emerge from new technologies [World Economic Forum – October 2020];
• 90% of Canadian companies say they have been forced by the health crisis and containment rules to accelerate their use of digital tools [World Economic Forum – October 2020].

Digital Youth Month will also address an annual theme related to one of the issues of the Citizen’s Charter in the Digital Age (Charte du citoyen à l’ère du numérique), developed in collaboration with the Commission on Ethics in Science and Technology (CEST). Young people are invited to become better digital citizens by educating themselves and committing to sign the charter. In 2021, the theme will be: The social and individual responsibility of digital actors.

CLICK HERE FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAMMING

On the agenda:

• 4 Facebook LIVE events with inspiring young digital personalities
• 18 virtual digital Cafés
• Launch of a video creation contest to promote one of the issues of the Citizen’s Charter in the digital age
• Digital literacy roundtable (Table de concertation sur la littératie numérique)
• The Youth Recognition Award (Prix de reconnaissance Jeunesse)
• Other youth activities of Montreal Digital Spring partners

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUTH QC 2030

ABOUT YOUTH QC 2030
Montreal Digital Spring’s Youth QC 2030 project – supported by the Quebec Secrétariat à la Jeunesse – aims to establish equal opportunities for youth aged between 13 and 29 by supporting the development of digital literacy skills, hence reducing the digital divide observed between different types of demographic groups. This project is carried out in partnership with Hydro-Québec.

ABOUT MONTREAL DIGITAL SPRING
Montreal Digital Spring (Printemps numérique) is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to democratize and accompany the digital transformation, through various activities of event production, communication, networking, consultation and mediation in order to ensure the highest level of influence of Montreal, thus contributing to the economic recovery of our ecosystems. Its activities are diverse and are deployed on three axes: general public, professional and youth.

Source: Montreal Digital Spring (Printemps numérique)
[email protected] 

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