In 2025, nearly 10,000 people across Belgium gained access to digital skills, tools, and opportunities that can change the course of their lives.
Through a growing network of digital hubs and strong collaborations between global technology leaders and local organisations, digital inclusion is no longer an ambition—it is becoming a reality.
At YMCA Europe, closing the digital gap means more than providing access to technology. It means creating pathways to education, employment, and empowerment for those who need it most.
Closing the Gap Through Collaboration
Digital exclusion is not just about access to devices—it is about access to opportunity. Without digital skills, individuals face barriers to education, employment, and full participation in society.
Addressing this challenge requires more than isolated action. It requires an ecosystem.
In Belgium, YMCA Europe has developed a collaborative model that brings together global technology leadership with strong local expertise.
Through its partnership with HP and a network of grassroots organisations, digital hubs are able to deliver both scale and meaningful, local impact.
Partners like Future Us are inspiring the next generation through hands-on STEM education, with a strong focus on engaging girls in technology.
At the same time, MAKS delivers practical, employability-focused digital training for individuals from underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Digital Natives extends this impact by working closely with disadvantaged youth and refugees, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transition.
Together, these partnerships form a dynamic ecosystem—one that not only provides access to technology but creates real pathways to inclusion, confidence, and opportunity.
2025 Impact at a glance
In 2025, digital hubs across Belgium delivered measurable impact at scale—reaching thousands of individuals and strengthening digital inclusion nationwide.
Impact at a glance:
– 9,700 people reached across Belgium
– 8 digital hubs activated in key communities
– Weekly programming sessions delivered
– Strong focus on employability, inclusion, and STEM education
Behind these numbers is a diverse audience: young people discovering technology for the first time, job seekers building digital skills, and individuals from vulnerable communities gaining access to essential tools and knowledge.
Across all hubs, the approach remained consistent—hands-on learning, accessibility, and real-world application—ensuring that digital skills translate into tangible opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth.
Milestones That Shaped Our Impact
In Belgium, digital hubs are not just places to learn—they are spaces to create, experiment, and grow. In 2025, several standout moments highlighted the breadth of this impact.
Inspiring the next generation through robotics
The National Championship of the VEX Robotics Competition brought young participants together to design, build, and program their own robots—developing technical, creative, and teamwork skills in a high-energy environment.
Empowering girls in STEM
Through initiatives such as Girl Powered and WeMentorHer, delivered with Future Us, more than 100 girls and women engaged in workshops and mentoring activities—helping open pathways into technology fields.
Strengthening employability through digital skills
MAKS delivered hands-on training programmes focused on digital inclusion and job readiness, supporting around 400 participants in building practical, career-relevant skills.
Expanding access for underserved communities
Through the work of Digital Natives, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and refugee communities gained access to digital tools, education, and support.
Together, these highlights demonstrate how digital hubs translate access into real opportunities by combining innovation, inclusion, and practical skills. Proving how it is not just about numbers —it’s about transformation.
Behind every figure is a real person reaching real opportunities; a community growing stronger.
Working towards a better tomorrow
2025 has definitely been a year with great results, but we will not stop here.
The impact achieved across Belgium’s digital hubs is only the beginning. As digital skills continue to shape access to education, employment, and opportunity, the need for inclusive, scalable solutions is more important than ever.
Through its ongoing partnership with HP, YMCA Europe is committed to strengthening and expanding this network of digital hubs—building on a model that has already proven its effectiveness on the ground.
Together, this collaboration combines technology, expertise, and local engagement to ensure that digital inclusion efforts are not only impactful but sustainable over time.
Looking ahead, the ambition is clear: to reach more communities, empower more individuals, and continue transforming access into opportunity—one hub at a time.
Because closing the digital gap is not a one-time effort. It is a long-term commitment, one that is made possible through strong partnerships and a shared vision for a more inclusive digital future.
