Beringen Hub

In Beringen, Oasis VZW is actively involved in three interconnected efforts that aim to strengthen the local community and reduce social and digital exclusion: the Digibank project, Beringen Talentenstad, and the outreach coffee bar BuurtBar.

As part of the Digibank project, Oasis works to close the digital divide, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. Six digital points ("digipunten") are run weekly across the city to assist people with digital questions, and a laptop library lends devices to those in need. Oasis is one of vele partners in the Digibank, with the City of Beringen as the lead organization. Oasis is part of the steering group, helps develop the digipunten into accessible entry points for digital support, assists with laptop lending and access to affordable internet, and refers visitors to relevant partners based on their needs. It also helps develop and promote digital learning sessions and the broader digital offering, including through the BuurtBar. The Digibank initiative is part of the Flemish government's Vlaamse Veerkracht (Flemish Resilience) recovery plan, aiming to include vulnerable groups (18+)  in the digital transformation. It focuses on three goals: ensuring equal access, strengthening digital skills, and improving access to essential services. The project is an initiative of the Department of Work and Social Economy and is funded by the European Union.