Unemployment, sickness, low income or a low pension are just some of the reasons why people find themselves in financial hardship. In Switzerland, 745,000 people live in poverty. And close to the same number of people live only just above the poverty line. Often this results in limited social and cultural engagement, or even social isolation, which is partly due to a lack of digital access for those affected.

Therefore, Sunrise and Caritas have decided to continue their project promoting digital education for low-income households in Switzerland, following the success of the two-year pilot scheme. They are committed to ensuring that people in Switzerland living at or below the poverty line have access to digital education and infrastructure. This in turn facilitates access to the labour market, simplifies day-to-day life and improves social engagement.

«As a telecommunications company, we believe we have a social responsibility to give people on a low budget the opportunity to participate in digital life and thus stay connected with their friends and family,» says André Krause, CEO of Sunrise.

Sunrise subscriptions as part of the KulturLegi

As part of this initiative, Sunrise and Caritas are launching two mobile and two Internet subscriptions, as well as a TV product, at strongly discounted rates. All five subscriptions specially subsidized by Sunrise for this purpose can be purchased at any of the 100+ Sunrise shops on presentation of a Caritas KulturLegi ID.

«We’re delighted that KulturLegi card holders will soon be able to benefit from discounted subscriptions. With Sunrise, we have a domestic partner helping us bridge the digital divide in Switzerland,» says Sabina Buro, Head of Partnerships at KulturLegi Switzerland.

Caritas KulturLegi offers a range of discounts for people on low incomes in Switzerland. Alongside culture, sports, education and health-related discounts, the offer now also includes telecommunications products. The KulturLegi discount is valid for 12 months and can be renewed.

Digital participation

Setting up an email account, submitting an online application or buying tickets with the SBB app – digital skills are becoming increasingly important in all areas of life. However, dealing with digital technologies is still a challenge for many people.

With the support of Sunrise, various regional Caritas organisations are offering drop-in sessions to improve digital literacy. People who need advice can attend one of these drop-in sessions with their digital device, e.g., smartphone, tablet or laptop. Expert volunteers are on hand to give clear and simple guidance. Further projects to build sustainable competencies and train essential skills are currently underway.

More information about the offer: www.sunrise.ch/en/internet-tv/caritas

More information about KulturLegi: www.kulturlegi.ch/en

For more information about digital participation, see: www.caritas.ch/en/digital-participation/

Press Release (pdf)