De Pijp Residents Master Digital Skills Through Free Library Programs

For residents of De Pijp and the wider Amsterdam Oud-Zuid district, the public library has become a frontline in digital education. Local branches offer structured computer courses-programs like **Klik & Tik** and **Digisterker**-designed to help people build confidence with online tools, from basic internet use to handling government digital services.

A National Framework for Schools and Adults

Beyond the library, the Dutch national institute **SLO** runs the **Vakportaal Digitale Geletterdheid** -a dedicated digital literacy subject portal. This online resource supplies teaching aids and structured learning trajectories for primary and secondary education, helping schools embed digital skills into the curriculum from an early age.

For adults who struggle with reading and writing, the challenge of learning digital skills is even steeper. **Stichting Lezen & Schrijven** has developed **Succes! Digitale Vaardigheden**, a teaching material written at the simplest language level. It is available both online and via paper booklets, explicitly targeting low-literate adults who might otherwise be excluded from the digital economy. A spokesperson for the foundation said the materials are designed to be accessible and self-paced.

Fake News and Critical Thinking

The rise of disinformation has made media literacy a core part of digital education. **Netwerk Mediawijsheid**, the Dutch Media Literacy Network, offers two notable resources: **MediaMasters**, a serious game that teaches children aged 10 to 12 how to recognise manipulated content, and **Isdatechtzo.nl**, a website that helps users check whether news is real or fake. Both tools are freely available and widely used in schools.

For adult learners worldwide-including newcomers in De Pijp who may be learning Dutch as a second language-the platform **DigLin** provides free digital literacy and language-learning materials. Administered by **Friesland College**, it serves a dual purpose: building computer skills while simultaneously improving language proficiency.

Why Local Access Matters

In a dense urban neighbourhood like De Pijp, where many residents rent and rely on public services, the library's role as a digital gateway is critical. The availability of free, structured courses means that no one needs to pay for private computer training to apply for jobs, access healthcare portals, or communicate with schools online. For older adults and low-literate individuals, the combination of library-based workshops and national resources reduces the risk of digital exclusion.

The resources described here-**Klik & Tik**, **Digisterker**, **Vakportaal Digitale Geletterdheid**, **MediaMasters**, **Isdatechtzo.nl**, **Succes! Digitale Vaardigheden**, and **DigLin**-are all available to residents now. Anyone living in De Pijp can visit the local library for more information or explore these tools independently online.