The Summer School, hosted and organized by Step by Step from BiH, was held from 14 to 18 October 2025 in Sarajevo gathering representatives from the Consortium project partners and the five grassroots organizations from across the Western Balkans.
The five-day program explored how digital transformation can be more inclusive and equitable for all citizens. Participants studied the concepts of inclusion and digital inclusion, shared experiences from their local contexts, and reflected on practical ways to ensure accessibility and equitable access to digital resources.
The Summer School opened with sessions on personal experiences, beliefs, and accessibility, encouraging participants to reflect on what inclusion means in their own communities. Divided into country groups, participants exchanged local perspectives and identified common challenges, fostering open dialogue and regional understanding. The interactive format created a strong sense of collaboration, trust, and mutual learning. Participants highlighted the clarity and practical relevance of the sessions and the opportunity to connect with peers from diverse educational and social contexts. Discussions were dynamic and solution-oriented, leading to creative ideas and proposals for local initiatives that promote inclusion.
Two key moments of the program were:
During the visit to Logosoft, the company’s director Damir Dizdarevic delivered a presentation on how digital technologies and telecommunication services can support inclusive access to information and services. The session provided participants with practical insights into the role of private-sector innovation in fostering digital inclusion, demonstrating real-world applications of digital tools that enhance accessibility and connectivity for diverse communities
Prof. Dr. Almir Badnjević, Director of IDDEEA (Agency for Identification Documents, Registers and Data Exchange of BiH) who is also a professor, scientist, and innovator, delivered a compelling presentation drawing on his extensive experience in biomedical engineering, medical devices, data processing, and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the importance of digital inclusion and the role of technology in creating equitable access to digital services. His insights inspired participants to consider both the technical and human aspects of inclusive digital transformation, linking advanced technological approaches with practical strategies to empower communities across the Western Balkans.
In the final days, the focus shifted to advocacy and action. Through simulations and group work, participants developed mini advocacy campaigns and action plans to advance digital inclusion in their home countries.
During the Summer School, ProMente led a session on monitoring and evaluation, equipping participants with practical tools and methods to assess the impact of digital inclusion initiatives. The session emphasized how systematic evaluation can guide improvements, ensure accountability, and support the sustainability of participants’ future projects.
Outcomes and Reflections
The Step by Step (SbS) team from Bosnia and Herzegovina expertly organized and facilitated the Summer School, designing an engaging program. Their guidance ensured that participants gained practical knowledge, exchanged experiences, and developed actionable strategies for advancing digital inclusion across the region.
The Summer School succeeded in fulfilling its key objectives:
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive - they valued the interactive format, the practical relevance of the sessions, and the spirit of collaboration that marked every day of the program. The experience left many inspired and empowered to bring new ideas home and continue building a more inclusive digital future.
