On the 3rd of November we had the pleasure of delivering the last batch of HyperX devices, donated by HP to our partners at Kortrijk Library, where joined by representatives of YMCA Netherland, we learnt about their initiatives and plans to accelerate digitalisation and STEAM within the community of Kortrijk, in Belgium.
Our visit and connection have been facilitated by Geert Vanderpijpen, Project Manager E-inclusion at Stad Kortrijk, and one of the great innovators of digital initiatives at the Kortrijk Library, enabling visitors and beneficiaries to access digital corners, tools, and devices such as 3D Printers and many more within their STEAM Hub.
It has been a great privilege to discover the site, and the programs and to learn more about their future plans, as well as discuss the initiatives of accelerating digital equity, as part of our joint mission. We are impressed by the team’s work and the fantastic community outreach that is a key aspect of their services.
The best part of our visit has been the invite to UNWRAP Festival – an event centred around the exploration of the applications of entertainment technology across the game, music, film and media industries, and the untapped potential of their crossover.
During our attendance at the festival, together with Geert, we learnt about the contribution of the Kortrijk Library with devices and laptops, and we met with wonderful organisations that are developing STEAM and community outreach initiatives.
The event was organised by the city of Kortrijk together with other organising partners, and we are incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to explore the workshops and sessions during Game Day, understanding the intersectionality between gamification, community, and digital inclusion.
During the event we also witnessed the complexity of team-based digital games, AI and augmented reality workshops, gaming tools designed for physically impaired players and the highlight of them all – a city bus turned into a streaming/gaming station, fully lit and equipped – ready for streaming, with a mini space for a podcast studio.
We are grateful to Geert, and all the organising partners as well as the sponsors of the UNWRAP event, for offering us such valuable insight into the gaming community and digitalisation initiatives, that we can all learn from.
Our continuous collaboration and support towards accelerating digital equity will continue, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to connect with such like-minded leaders, and organisations committed to making a difference and building communities through relevant tools and initiatives.
