BenefIT is a Government grant scheme providing funding to third sector organisations for the provision of digital literacy training. Under the scheme organisations or partnerships who can meet the requirements set out in the Guidelines for the Scheme and who can provide the stipulated training may apply for the grant. The successful grantees are awarded grants to deliver the stipulated training to the agreed number of trainees in the timeframe specified.
On 15th April 2013, BenefIT 4 was launched by Minister Pat Rabbitte.
At least one in five adults in Ireland has never used the internet. The BenefIT schemes aim to reduce this by offering, through community and voluntary organisations, practical training in the digital skills. The BenefIT schemes have been delivering very positive impacts for thousands of people.
This scheme builds on the previous three BenefIT schemes. BenefIT 3 is now coming to a close nationwide. By March 2013 it provided training to over 34,500 people at approximately 700 locations, involving over 200 organisations. Of the participants who were trained 64% were aged over 55, 2,707 were unemployed, 1,845 had a disability. The trainees were extremely satisfied with the training – 99.4% said they would recommend the course. 76% rated the trainer as “excellent”, 22% rated trainer as “very good”. The scheme made a positive impact with 8 out of 10 trainees saying they were now more likely to use a computer. Over 30% – 10,405 people – said that as a result of doing the course they were likely to buy a computer, laptop, tablet or similar device soon.
The training focuses on the digital skills people need – like how to use eMail, how to do an internet search, how to use services like skype, conduct simple on-line transactions like book a ticket, pay a bill, reserve a book, as well as optional training relating to digital photographs, banking on-line, safety and security online, use social networking, use of Apps, or using the internet to assist with your own areas of interest.
The training will be available in every county (in the Republic). It is being provided through community, voluntary and not for profit organisations in a wide variety of venues. It will involve professional and volunteer trainers – all focusing on the goal of helping people acquire the basic internet skills to get online and do more online.
