Slovenia’s Na-prostem.si project - ”FOSS for the digital inclusion of NGOs and users”:
Na-prostem.si was created in 2022 to facilitate an autonomous digital transformation for non-governmental/voluntary organisations and enhance the digital inclusion and proficiency of their users. Co-funded by the Ministry of Public Administration, the two-year project budget is 200,000.00 EUR. It was created with two primary objectives:
- The development of the platform https://www.na-prostem.si/, supporting the efficient operation of non-governmental organisations in the digital sphere.
- The provision of training sessions for the target groups on the use of the “Na-prostem” digital service and free and open-source software.
The project's target groups include employees, associates, members, and volunteers in the non-governmental sector, socio-economically disadvantaged users of NGO services, and individuals with disabilities or members of disabled organisations.
The digital service “Na-prostem” provides news and information on verified free software and online services, a repository of FOSS and a wiki knowledge base on digital transformation. It also provides distribution of refurbished computers with a Linux operating system, Nextcloud service for NGOs, video tutorials, an online forum for user support, and community discussions. The project plans to distribute a total of 200 refurbished computers with Linux to NGOs and socio-economically vulnerable users of NGO services, with an additional target of 10,000 unique visitors to the digital service.
The program provides training for the use of FOSS software, with a focus on office software. Prior to designing tailored hands-on training, a survey was conducted using the EUSurvey tool to assess NGOs' use of computer software, online services, and attitudes towards FOSS. The survey of 125 NGOs revealed several advantages of using FOSS, including its free use, independence from software providers, quality, efficiency, security, and alignment with ethics/values (the “open-source way”).
Overall, the project aims to raise awareness and promote the use of FOSS by NGOs and their users, effectively strengthening their digital sovereignty in contrast to the business models of Big Tech companies. To further this objective, an annual event titled “Free Software and Services for a Digital Sovereign Society and People” was organised on the International Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022.
In the long term, the project plans to evolve into an “open organisation” functioning as a sustainable and inclusive support environment for technical development, service, localisation, advocacy, promotion, and popularisation of free software and services. It aims to connect a community of users, enthusiasts, advocates, experts, and programmers, thereby contributing effectively to a more just digital society. The project is implemented by four non-governmental organisations, members of The national thematic network of non-governmental organisations for an inclusive information society (Network NVO-VID).