National effort underway for "Digital Mass Literacy"

ABO/NDO- As digital transformation becomes an inevitable trend, the dissemination of digital knowledge among the general population plays a vital role in narrowing the digital divide, enhancing national competitiveness, and ensuring that no one is left behind. In this context, the “Digital Mass Literacy” movement has been launched and is beginning to spread.

The movement was initiated under the direction of Party General Secretary To Lam, marking a turning point in the popularisation of digital knowledge and skills, and laying a solid foundation for a digital society, digital economy and digital citizenship. With the concerted efforts of districts and local authorities, Ha Noi is gradually realising its vision of comprehensive digital inclusion. The campaign was officially launched in the capital on May 22 under the slogan: “Ha Noi – Digital mass literacy – For all, moving forward into the new era.”

According to the city's Department of Science and Technology, the movement aims to be rolled out extensively to every residential cluster and neighbourhood, enabling citizens to access basic digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) applications for everyday needs.

This initiative is a crucial step toward building a digital government, digital society, digital economy and digital citizenry, as well as implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

Youth volunteers in Tay Ho District assist residents in using digital technology. (Photo: Dang Anh).

Under Plan No. 138/KH-UBND issued by the Ha Noi People’s Committee on May 15, 2025, the city targets by the end of 2025 to have 100% of public sector officials, civil servants and employees equipped with digital skills and capable of using digital platforms in their work. Over 85% of the adult population is expected to own a smartphone and have basic digital skills, including the ability to use essential digital services and protect themselves in cyberspace.

In line with this, Tay Ho District has set an ambitious goal for 2026: over 95% of public sector employees to be digitally literate and proficient in digital platforms and services for professional use. All secondary school students are to be equipped with digital knowledge and skills for learning, research and creativity, along with the ability to interact safely and effectively online. Additionally, 80% of the working population is expected to have fundamental digital skills for production, business, and productivity enhancement.

Community-based "Digital Mass Literacy" teams, consisting of Party cell members, youth union members, and students, are being trained to provide hands-on guidance, particularly to the elderly.

Minh Thu, 60, a resident of Xuan La Ward in Tay Ho District, shared that with the help of youth volunteers from her neighbourhood, she has learned how to use mobile apps, send messages, and even video call her grandchildren—helping her stay connected with the world. “The ‘Digital Mass Literacy’ campaign has not only improved my understanding of technology but also transformed the way I think and live. I’m now more confident and proactive in finding information, enjoying entertainment, and using online services for daily tasks with much greater ease,” she said.

The movement has spread beyond Ha Noi and is gaining momentum across the country. In Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, local authorities have launched the “Digital Mass Literacy” movement and organised digital literacy classes for local residents. Regardless of age or occupation, learners are guided in using smartphones, exploring social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, YouTube and TikTok, learning about digital identity, and especially integrating AI applications such as ChatGPT into everyday life and work.

In Thanh Hoa Province, the Provincial Youth Union Standing Committee has proactively issued directives and expanded the movement among young people, with a focus on digital transformation activities to improve public and business engagement. One notable model involves the weekly “Digital Support Saturday” initiative, held at village and neighbourhood cultural centres, where volunteers help residents install apps, access public service portals, and adopt cashless payment methods.

Youth volunteer groups under the “Digital Mass Literacy” campaign in communes and wards consist of digitally savvy youth union officials and members who go door-to-door assisting elderly residents and those in remote or rural areas to become familiar with smartphones, the internet, and useful digital tools.

At the official launch ceremony and the unveiling of the “Digital Mass Literacy” platform, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed the profound significance and humanitarian value of the movement in advancing national development. He stressed that the country is facing a historic opportunity to enter a new era of robust growth, powered by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. He described the task at hand as both particularly urgent and vitally important.

Accordingly, it is essential to equip every Vietnamese citizen with the knowledge, technologies and skills required for digital transformation, so they can access and effectively use various digital services and platforms, becoming digital citizens themselves. This, in turn, will accelerate progress and ensure the success of the national revolution in science, technology, and digital transformation.

(Source: NDO)