On the 24th of July, a new chapter in the story of the ‘’Becoming Digitally Conscious’’ project was written. The local workshop was held in Zenica and it gathered 28 young people who were eager to gain new knowledge and become the drivers for positive change. The main goal of the workshop was to raise awareness among participants about healthy digital usage and equip them with knowledge that they would use in their everyday lives. The workshop provided participants with a safe space to openly share their opinions and experiences. Furthermore, the workshop had three speakers who gradually contributed to its implementation.
The first speaker was Ernad Bešlagić who shared with the participants his knowledge in computer technologies and STEM education. His speech emphasized the importance of early engagement in these fields and how it can lead to significant impacts on local and national levels. Ernad highlighted the dual nature of digitalization, showcasing its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. By sharing inspiring examples of young individuals making a difference in the community, he motivated the participants to embrace digitalization consciously and use it as a powerful tool to drive positive change.
The second speaker, Nejra Halilović, a distinguished Master of Arts in Security Sciences, focused on the aspect of digital hygiene and cybersecurity. Nejra shed light on the real and constant cyber threats in today’s world, urging the attendees to implement strong cybersecurity practices to safeguard themselves and the larger digital community. She also shared her experience as a woman in the IT sector and the obstacles she faced on her road to success. One thing is for sure – Nejra has inspired all female participants to consider pursuing careers in the IT sector and become the change-makers that this country truly needs!
The final speaker of the workshop was Adi Salčinović, a successful STEM educator. Through his speech, Adi highlighted the importance of STEM education and its impact of it on shaping the future of young people. He promoted the idea of gender equality and highlighted the importance of equal access to quality STEM education for everyone.
All speakers have gradually contributed to the successful implementation of the ‘’BDC’’ local workshop. They have all inspired young people to become digitally conscious and be the positive change that our society needs. Therefore, the local workshop was successfully implemented and it has served as a foundation for implementing future events.
ABOUT ‘’BECOMING DIGITALLY CONSCIOUS’’ PROJECT:
“Becoming Digitally Conscious” is a Capacity Building project targeted at the promotion of healthy digital habits among young people (between 18 and 25 years old) living in the European and Western Balkans area. The goal is to make this group aware of the potential dangers of making excessive use of digital devices, such as psychological disorders (e.g., eating disorders and depression). Considering that virtual reality has become an essential part of young people’s lives (especially during the covid-19 pandemic to study or socialize, which before they did mainly offline), we believe it is important to train them on how to integrate digital devices in a healthy and conscious way. Through the education of youth workers, the project will contribute to increasing the quality, innovation, and recognition of youth work, supporting the sharing of methods to address the opportunities and implications of digitalization. Of course, it is as well related to “Addressing digital transformation through the development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity” because all major social changes imply some areas of risk that need to be reflected upon to mitigate the issues created (in this case digital addiction.