4 DIGITAL CITIZEN 4.3 ACTIONS ENHANCING DIGITAL LITERACY AND SOCIAL EQUALITY Achieving widespread digital literacy is vital for inclusivity and social cohesion. For example, digitally competent workers and digitally competent citizens can be more successful in the job market and contribute more effectively within the community. Those without digital competences are in danger of falling behind. ICT offers people the tools to overcome limitations. 28 1. Basic level of ICT competence An education and awareness programme will be launched to boost ICT competences, media literacy and confident, critical and safe use of the Internet. The programme will be implemented at community level. Vulnerable groups will be a major focus. 2. Empowering the young through a safer Internet Digital Citizenship will become part of the National Education Curriculum, to equip children and youths with the abilities to interact and use the Internet safely and intelligently. Parents and carers will be involved together with educators and youth workers. This action will stimulate the production of creative online content, empower the younger generation and help create a safer environment. With the support of competent authorities this measure will help combat cyber child abuse and exploitation. 3. Empowering vulnerable/minority groups and the elderly Initiate an ongoing programme designed to assist every citizen, in particular the ageing and the vulnerable to harness the potential of ICT. Appropriately equipped ICT access and training centers will be set up within local communities to support the programme. 4. Accessibility and Assistive Technology Internet accessibility standards will be promoted to enable everyone, irrespective of disability, to navigate and access content to access and use of assistive technologies will be promoted and facilitated to help independent living of the elderly and vulnerable groups. This will also stimulate market demand for diverse, affordable technologies.