Evaluating a digital inclusion intervention for parents in poverty: results from qualitative research

This paper presents the evaluation results of a digital inclusion intervention for Dutch parents in poverty. This intervention aimed to promote digital inclusion and positive outcomes in parents’ daily lives by focusing on the four phases of internet appropriation: attitude and motivation, material access, skills, and usage. The ‘Samen wegwijs op het internet’ (SWOI) intervention took place from November 6, 2024, to January 29, 2025, in the southern region of Enschede, the Netherlands. During the program, 14 parents received a laptop, weekly training courses, and free and accessible support in internet and computer use. A qualitative approach is used to evaluate the feasibility elements of the program. Lessons were learned from observations, in-between feedback moments, and short interviews. The results hint toward increased self-confidence in using the internet, pride in one’s learning, and enhanced social contact. The lessons learned for future digital inclusion interventions are shared, including a call for integral intervention approaches and for appointing an intervention coordinator. The results will interest those working on digital inclusion, poverty relief, or intervention design.