Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy: Impact Across Lebanon

In Lebanon, as in many emerging economies, connectivity empowers individuals to succeed and contribute to the success of others in their communities. As part of its mission to advocate for tech inclusion, IEEE Computer Society’s Lebanon Chapter spearheaded the Digital Literacy for Remote and Underprivileged Communities project. Dr. Walid Philippe Karam of the American University of Technology (AUT) took the lead, creating an effective model of inclusive education.

Structure and Outcomes

The project was designed to include three sessions, but it quickly grew to nine workshops across Lebanon. In total, there were over 270 participants, comprising Lebanese citizens and refugees from Syria and Palestine. The workshops brought together a diverse group of participants, including women, youth, small business owners, and educators.

Every workshop involved hands-on training that taught essential tech skills and knowledge domains, including:

• Email communication
• Cybersecurity
• Data privacy
• Online collaboration
• Cloud storage
• Basic AI concepts

The workshops helped participants build confidence in their ability to participate in a digital economy and culture. Rather than seeing technology as a niche discipline limited to relatively small groups of privileged individuals, participants learned how to weave it into their personal lives and professional portfolios.

Real-World Impact and Voices from the Field

The impact on participants was significant, in part because many of them had their first in-depth encounter with technology.

As Elyssa B., from the Hadchit workshop, explained, “Before this workshop, I used my phone only for calls and messaging. Now, I can send emails, search for information, and even help my children with their homework online.”

Natasha M., a participant from Zgharta, also highlighted how the project benefitted her personally, especially what she learned about cybersecurity. “I realized how to protect my personal information and help others do the same.”

The Tangible Impact of Learning New Life Skills

The program did more than provide participants with tech knowledge. It demonstrated how to utilize digital tools in real-world settings. For instance, students learned how to:

• Identify phishing attempts and scams
• Create stronger passwords to help prevent data and identity theft
• Safeguard their personal data
• Compose professional emails
• Organize important files

As a result, learners walked away with essential life skills they could apply in professional and personal settings.

Building a Culture of Digital Mentorship

Long-term sustainability hinges on expanding reach while limiting the need for additional resources. To encourage community ownership, participants were encouraged to share their knowledge and mentor others. Instead of hoarding knowledge, participants will "pay it forward," building local capacity.

At the same time, a culture of digital mentorship reduces dependency on one-time interventions. Lebanese people eager to learn don't have to wait for IEEE CS members or other tech experts to circle back for additional training sessions. Instead, they can turn to mentors and thought leaders who are nearby.

It Creates a Self-Sustaining Learning Cycle

When participants teach others, knowledge no longer depends solely on the original trainers. Each new learner can become a future mentor, allowing the program’s impact to grow even after the formal workshops end.

As mentorship spreads digital skills throughout the community, families gain experience using tech tools and pay it forward to others. This creates a cycle that makes long-term continuation possible even in resource-limited environments.

The result is stronger community ownership. When locals lead the learning, the community views the program as its own. This sense of ownership increases participation, retention, and long-term engagement.

Further, it builds capacity within the community itself. Instead of imported expertise, the community develops its own pool of digital literacy champions. These mentors can continue to help others whenever new needs, technologies, or challenges arise. As the number of mentors increases, they create social support networks that foster connections between participants, promote collaboration, and facilitate shared problem-solving. These networks continue to support digital inclusion long after the workshops conclude.

By developing peer leaders, the program avoids the common pitfall of “train once and disappear.” Skills and confidence remain active and evolving within the community.

A Mutually Beneficial Program

IEEE Computer Society volunteers also enjoyed transformative experiences. Gaby B., a student member of IEEE CS, reflected, “Seeing the spark in participants’ eyes when they realized they could do it reminded me why we study computing in the first place.”

Another volunteer, David S., experienced the power of tech, noting, “Teaching basic internet skills in remote areas showed me that inclusion begins with access.”

Fostering Digital Literacy for Under-Resourced Communities

The IEEE Computer Society is committed to empowering communities, and the Digital Literacy for Remote and Underprivileged Communities project in Lebanon exemplifies this commitment. IEEE CS's goal is to use tech to improve communities around the globe, resulting in a stronger, more connected global community.

In Lebanon, this project provided hundreds of individuals with a solid digital foundation on which to build careers and enrich their lives, as well as those of others. This creates a lasting impact, one that extends far beyond the workshop.

Check out IEEE CS's Tech for Tomorrow Facebook page and website for updates and to register for future programs. Additionally, learn how to support the IEEE Computer Society’s vision by exploring volunteer opportunities today.