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Acronis partners with ReDI School to break barriers with digital skills

Since 2018, Acronis has been supporting computer literacy education in Singapore and Switzerland, equipping individuals with essential digital literacy and IT skills to thrive in today’s tech-driven world. Last year, this mission expanded its reach to Germany, thanks to a generous grant from CVC. This new chapter has already proven to be a success, empowering individuals and creating a meaningful difference in their lives.

In 2024, Acronis partnered with the ReDI School of Digital Integration to empower women with migration or forced-migration backgrounds through a 12-week Digital Literacy Program. This course equipped participants with essential computer and internet skills, enabling them to confidently use office applications, navigate the online world, and complete everyday and workplace tasks, fostering personal growth, social inclusion, and improved employability.

Thanks to funds granted to Acronis by CVC, 20 students were admitted to the school to participate in this course. Additionally, Acronis volunteers contributed their time and expertise, teaching across three groups and dedicating at least five weeks throughout the semester to ensure the students’ success.

Gaia del Zoppo, Partner Marketing Manager at Acronis, reflected on her experience as a volunteer teacher at the ReDI School in Munich: “I have witnessed the transformative impact of digital education, especially in empowering immigrant women to navigate their new environment with confidence. Sharing my knowledge and seeing these women build skills that open doors to the local job market has been deeply rewarding. This partnership highlights how companies can drive meaningful change by combining financial support with the expertise and dedication of their teams.”

Beyond hard skills, the Acronis team also supported the students in developing soft skills. Senior HR Director and HRBP at Acronis, Zlatka Loukarsky, shared her experience and expertise by conducting four workshops on career-related topics. She noted, “As someone with an immigrant background myself, I deeply resonate with the challenges these women face. Teaching digital literacy and sharing tips on CV writing, job interviews, and balancing work with family has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I’ve witnessed their determination to learn, even in the midst of distractions like caring for their children. Their resilience and dedication inspire me every day, and I’m glad to play a small part in their journey toward a brighter future.”

In addition to teaching, the Acronis team provided one-on-one mentorship and tutoring to support students with homework and other challenges throughout the semester. A highlight of the program was a company visit to the Acronis Munich office, where 20 ReDI School students were welcomed. The visit offered students a glimpse into the IT company atmosphere and corporate culture. Acronis employees shared insights about the company’s work in cybersecurity, tips for entering the field, and conducted educational sessions on cybersecurity topics such as big data, digital footprints, and information bubbles.

The dedication of the Acronis team and the hard work of the students have yielded incredible results. Seventy-five percent of participants reported increased confidence in applying for jobs or vocational training (Ausbildung), 71% improved their language skills, 79% enhanced their teamwork abilities, and 55% gained a better understanding of the labor market. Remarkably, 25% of the students found jobs or began Ausbildung during or shortly after completing the ReDI School course.

One participant, Ainaz Khodabandehloo from the Basics 2B group, shared her gratitude: “Attending ReDI computer courses has helped me decide to pursue vocational training in IT and given me the confidence to know I am on the right path. I am deeply grateful to the teachers who guided and supported me throughout this course. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable, and I have learned so much from them. Thank you for inspiring me and helping me grow.”

We wholeheartedly thank our team for dedicating almost 200 hours of their personal time, CVC for their generosity and commitment to fostering positive change, and ReDI School for their cooperation, thoughtful preparation of the curriculum, and warm, friendly atmosphere. Thank you for providing better educational and employment opportunities to dozens of people!

Help by donating
If you believe in our mission and want to make an impact, you can support the Acronis Schools Initiative