What is meant by digital education and why is it important for democracy?

Digital education encompasses the imparting of knowledge and skills in the use of digital technologies. It is crucial for democracy as it promotes access to information, participation in social life, and the opportunity for active co-design.

Who are the target groups of the ReDI School of Digital Integration?

The ReDI School primarily targets migrants and disadvantaged locals who wish to acquire digital skills. Many participants have experiences of flight or migration and are seeking ways to integrate into society.

What types of courses does the ReDI School offer?

The ReDI School offers various courses, including digital foundational training for beginners, upskilling in the tech sector such as programming and data analytics, as well as special programs for children and youth to promote media literacy and cybersecurity.

How do companies benefit from collaborating with the ReDI School?

Companies benefit from access to a pool of talented, well-trained professionals and the opportunity to engage their employees as volunteer trainers. This not only strengthens the social responsibility of companies but also promotes the development of relevant skills in the industry.

How many people has the ReDI School trained so far and what goal does it pursue for the future?

The ReDI School has trained over 40,000 people in Germany and Scandinavian countries so far. Its goal is to make IT foundational education freely accessible to all people, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.

Inclusion

Takuya Furukawa

Local Head Hamburg & NRW — ReDI School of Digital Integration

Why is Digital Education the Foundation of a Functioning Democracy?

10:07·24 June 2026

This article was automatically translated from its original Deutsch version. Read the original

Takuya Furukawa is the Local Head for North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg. He explains how the ReDI School of Digital Integration imparts digital skills, strengthens professional abilities, and builds a network of professionals.

Since 2015, the ReDI School of Digital Integration has been offering digital education courses for migrants and disadvantaged locals. Digital education is fundamental for a functioning democracy. Takuya Furukawa experienced this firsthand when he moved to Germany about ten years ago. The ReDI School provides an entry point into a network, foundational knowledge, and suitable further training. At the same time, it serves as a pathway to inclusion in a new society. Takuya Furukawa could have greatly benefited from this support back then, which is why he is now even happier to help others through his work.

The team at the ReDI School of Digital Integration understands how important digital skills are. Statistics show that 40 percent of all EU citizens lack basic digital competencies, which are essential for jobs and administration. Additionally, they facilitate access to democracy and participation in society. Therefore, the ReDI School imparts IT knowledge and has already trained over 40,000 people. Many of the participants have experiences of flight or migration and can greatly benefit from this support.

The focus of the courses and programs is on three themes. Participants with prior knowledge utilize the upskilling offered in the tech sector, which includes advanced knowledge and skills in programming and data analytics. Those who are not yet at that level can start with the digital foundational training for beginners. The experts at the ReDI School of Digital Integration have also developed a tech program for children and teenagers, which includes programming exercises, media literacy training, and cybersecurity.

The knowledge is imparted by industry experts. These volunteer trainers support the ReDI School with their know-how directly from the business world. This collaboration benefits both the companies and the future professionals. Internships and mentoring programs for ReDI students allow for close one-on-one guidance. As Takuya Furukawa knows, this has already led to several success stories. The Local Head for North Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg is working with his colleagues to make IT foundational training freely accessible to everyone. Without digital competencies, it is no longer possible to move forward. The team at the ReDI School aims to "leave no one behind," as Takuya Furukawa states.

Frequently asked questions

Digital education encompasses the imparting of knowledge and skills in the use of digital technologies. It is crucial for democracy as it promotes access to information, participation in social life, and the opportunity for active co-design.