In the digital era, it is vital to be able to use digital tools for comfortable and normal life. However, being an immigrant, there is always a struggle to discover innovative toolkits and figure out their working system, since each country (or even the region of the particular country) may apply different approaches towards using various toolkits. 

So, me, (name omitted), student at University of Turin, studying Area and Global studies for International cooperation, while doing an internship at Smart Revolution, a consultancy firm, from August until September 2024, was giving a task to do newsletters about calls for proposals. One of the calls was about digital capacities (Digital-2024 Programme). The main objective of that call was to design and deliver advanced education programs in strategic digital areas. Since I know what it is to be an international over here, I got interest into designing a digital tool to support migrants in the city I live now – Turin, taking into account that there are a lot of migrants. This is why I’ve got an idea about the project that will explore how digital tools and technological innovations can facilitate the integration of migrants into their host countries. It will focus on identifying and developing effective technological solutions (such as mobile apps, platforms, and online services) that address challenges faced by migrants in accessing critical services like education, healthcare, legal aid, and employment. The project will take place in Turin, Italy.

Challenge

How digital tools and technological innovations can facilitate the integration of migrants into their host countries?
The pilot refers to such sustainable development goals as Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9) and Reduced inequalities (10). The project addresses SDG 9 by leveraging innovative digital tools to create infrastructure that simplify migrants’ stay in the new country. The project tackles SDG 10 by addressing the structural inequalities migrants face when trying to integrate into new societies.

Target Groups:

• Local migrants and refugees: particularly those who struggle with integration due to language barriers or lack of access to services
• Local migrant communities

Solution

• Digital Literacy Training for Migrants (training sessions on basic computer skills, navigating mobile apps, understanding government portals, and using online services for education, healthcare, and job opportunities)
• Exploration of existing apps (for example, “Agenzia delle entrate”) and platforms that address migrant needs in Italy (interactive workshops exploring apps for legal aid, language learning, job searching, healthcare access, and social integration)
• Sessions that educate migrants on sustainable practices in everyday life (e.g., recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable job opportunities) and discuss how technology can promote environmental awareness (online learning module)

Innovation

Creating a multilingual platform that adapts to local needs, providing information in languages commonly spoken by migrants in Turin (instead of relying on separate apps for education, healthcare, legal services, and employment, the pilot will develop a centralized hub where migrants can access all necessary services through a single platform). The platform will include modules that promote sustainability education for migrants, such as courses on environmental stewardship, energy-saving practices, or sustainable job skills.

Impact
The pilot can complement programs aimed at helping migrants with social, educational, and employment integration by providing digital tools that enhance the accessibility of these services. One of them is Torino Social Impact (a platform aiming to implement a strategy for the development of high-tech social entrepreneurship in the Turin metropolitan area) that provides trainings, tutoring and mentoring to acquire necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the economic and social life of the community.

This student project is submitted through:
Smart Revolution.