The virtual meeting in February was attended by Diana Perdomo and Albert González, the two creators of the project 'V-Tools'. From the Xarxa Punt TIC, we wanted to spend some time with them in order to learn more about the initiative that seeks to prevent cyberbullying and sexist violence, as well as deal with the normalization of violence.
1. First of all, what is 'V-Tools'?
'V-Tools' affects two key sectors, the digital sector and the social education sector, with the aim of designing and implementing digital social innovation and educational innovation projects. We believe in the importance of participation and co-creation and, for this reason, we work alongside the community to identify challenges and opportunities and use our knowledge and experience to generate solutions that have a positive impact. From 'V-Tools', we integrate technology, creativity and education to develop innovative projects that help improve the lives of people and communities. We are committed to equity, sustainability and inclusion and, for this reason, we seek social transformation through initiatives.
2. How did the initiative come about?
'V-Tools' began its journey in 2017 with the ambition to transform education and digital social innovation. Unfortunately, the pandemic temporarily halted our momentum, but in 2023 they resumed the project with a fresh approach adapted to the new realities. Our main mission is to reduce the digital divide, empowering the community through new information and communication technologies. Also, we seek to prevent any form of violence, creating safe spaces and in this way, building stronger and more connected communities. In essence, the combination of technological skills and social perspectives drives the vision and execution of 'V-Tools'. Our core goal is to deliver transformative digital solutions.
3. What projects do you carry out?
Currently, we are actively implementing two projects, although we are also immersed in the design and co-creation of new projects in collaboration with other entities in the sector. The main one is ‘Si no ho vius, no ho sents’, an educational innovation project that takes advantage of new technologies to address existing issues both within the group and in society. Through the use of virtual reality as a pedagogical tool, this initiative focuses prominently on the prevention of cyberbullying and sexist violence, with special attention to the dynamics that arise between children, teenagers and young people.
We also promote the 'Inserjoves' training program, which seeks to offer new educational opportunities to young people with the help of the latest digital trends, and we energize the Punt TIC Sant Cosme, a community service that promotes the digital empowerment of people in the neighborhood of the town of El Prat de Llobregat.
4. Who participates in the project ‘Si no ho vius, no ho sents’?
Currently, we carry out immersive sessions with various educational centers, both formal and non-formal, in the Catalan territory. Specifically, the project ‘Si no ho vius, no ho sents’ is designed for children, teenagers and young people between the ages of 10 and 18. At the moment, the reception is very positive. From 'V-Tools', we always try to adapt to the specific educational needs of each group and each educational center.
5. With 'V-Tools', what challenges do you face?
In the current context, it is imperative to adapt and provide concrete and viable responses to the new social and educational needs. It is essential to emphasize that in the use of new technologies, their democratization must be a right and not a privilege, in order to guarantee universal access. Specifically, with regard to virtual reality, our challenge is to generate new content that addresses not only situations of violence between children, adolescents and young people, but also those situations that occur with other groups and with other emerging sectors of society with the will to achieve positive and transformative changes.
For more information, you can send an email to info@v-tools.es.