Digital Buddies
The Digital Buddies project project strengthens the digital, work-life, and guidance skills of people with a criminal background. The project provides a safe environment for learning new skills through peer support.

Funders
Project information
Implementation time
1.6.2024 – 31.5.2026
Funder
ESR+ 2021-2027
Research programme
Project type
Themes
Project Manager
Heli Kaatrakoski
Description
Digital skills are complex competencies that are learned through experimentation and trial and error. For people with a criminal background, imprisonment restricts—and in the worst cases prevents—the use of digital services and the development of digital skills.
Upon release, many lack access to functional devices, electronic identification tools, or sufficient digital skills to manage everyday life, handle official matters, or seek employment. Many also need supportive environments during the transition phase after release in which they can practice autonomy, strengthen daily routines, interaction skills, and competencies, and build a sense of community and an alternative identity.
At their best, the development of digital skills can enhance competencies, self‑esteem, and individual autonomy. Peer‑provided digital support has been shown to be an effective learning model, especially for those who have become marginalized from societal services. Peer involvement also enables actively engaged participation among people with a criminal background and strengthens concrete and verifiable work‑life skills.
In the Digikaverit project, participants broaden and strengthen their skills while contributing their own voices to the development of the training pathway.
Sustainable development goals
Contacts
-

Heli Kaatrakoski
heli.kaatrakoski@laurea.fi
You may also be interested
-
INN-Quake
Implementation time:
1.1.2026 – 31.12.2027
Read more: INN-QuakeResearch programme:
Coherent Security -
Fire-Safe Home for People with Hearing Impairment
Implementation time:
1.5.2026 – 31.5.2027
Read more: Fire-Safe Home for People with Hearing ImpairmentResearch programme:
Coherent Security -
EU-CIP – European Knowledge Hub and Policy Testbed for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Implementation time:
1.10.2022 – 30.9.2025
Read more: EU-CIP – European Knowledge Hub and Policy Testbed for Critical Infrastructure ProtectionResearch programme:
Coherent Security