In April 2023, Febelfin launched the E-learning for digicoaches or digital guides, meaning volunteers or professionals guiding digistarters in developing more digital skills. 'Digistarters' refers to individuals struggling to keep up with the digital evolution and feeling they lack sufficient digital skills.

For certain people, intensive or personal guidance is necessary. It is essential that the guide or digicoach has the right information and tools. Therefore, Febelfin has created a reference work with this E-learning, allowing these guides to work with appropriate tools and, in turn, make an impact. Febelfin aims to achieve a "multiplier effect" in this way. With the E-learning, Febelfin can share its knowledge with as many volunteers and professionals as possible and develop a network of digicoaches elevating the online banking skills of digistarters.

During the various modules, participants are taken into the world of online banking and digital payments, learning how to do this safely. There is also a section dedicated to how to best deal with digistarters.

Since its launch, the E-learning has received a lot of positive feedback: a whopping 96% of the students indicate that the content of the E-learning allows them to apply the learned topics in practice. This not only emphasizes the quality of the E-learning but also the practical usefulness of what participants learned during the information session. Those interested in taking the E-learning can send an email to digicoach@febelfin.be

In addition to the E-learning, Febelfin has been conducting information sessions on digital and secure banking throughout Belgium for a few years. Most sessions are given on-site, some in the form of webinars (online). It is important to respond directly to the needs of target groups not well acquainted with online applications, and this is best done on-site, directly for individuals as well as stakeholders who come into contact with these target groups.

In Flanders alone, 53 sessions were already held in 2023. In Brussels, the project "J'adopte la banque numérique" ran between September and October 2023, reaching more than 250 people. This project has now expanded to Wallonia, where 9 information sessions have already taken place with more than 100 participants. Altogether, Febelfin organized 85 information sessions in 2023, reaching more than 3,750 people.

Also, in December and for the coming year, a considerable number of new sessions are already planned. You can find us in Poperinge, Bonheiden, Braine-le-Comte, Perwez, but also elsewhere in Belgium. These information sessions are tailored to the organization involved and can be requested for free via info@febelfin.be. An overview of the planned sessions can also be obtained through this email address..

In Belgium, too many people still experience difficulties with online banking. It remains crucial to strive for digital inclusion and continue developing initiatives.

Digital inclusion is a shared responsibility because everything in society is becoming increasingly digitized. One uniform approach does not fit everyone; there is a need for customization to meet the needs of different target groups. Our goal is to ensure that those already familiar with online banking keep up with the latest developments, while those who struggle can receive the necessary guidance.

The banking sector takes responsibility by forming partnerships at the local level, including with CPAS, libraries, and elderly organizations... Collaboration with local actors such as digibanks or EPNs (digital public spaces) is essential. Through the E-learning and information sessions, the banking sector aims to support these actors and attentively listen to the needs in the field.