On 2 December, we celebrate World Computer Literacy Day – an opportunity to highlight the importance of digital education and access to IT knowledge. In an increasingly technology-driven world, it is essential to support people in understanding and confidently using digital tools. At IT Sonix, we are committed to this cause and offer various opportunities to enhance IT skills: from engaging in university partnerships and practical projects to initiatives at children’s museums and events focusing on digital education.

To mark World Computer Literacy Day, we’re detailing some of these activities and showcase how we contribute to bridging the digital divide and make IT knowledge accessible to diverse audiences.

Our initiatives aim to foster the next generation of IT professionals and impart digital skills in a playful, hands-on way. Whether for students, emerging talent, or young tech enthusiasts, our efforts encourage individuals to actively engage with the digital world and further develop their skills.

Internships at IT Sonix: Where Theory Meets Practice

Our internships allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice and gain valuable insights into software development. Participants work on real-life projects, explore agile methodologies, and benefit from guidance from an experienced team. This experience helps young talent to refine their technical abilities and gain professional skills that extend beyond the internship. By doing so, we not only strengthen participants' IT competencies but also nurture the next generation of talent in the industry.

Collaborative Projects with Academic Institutions

To promote digital education and strengthen the exchange between academia and practice, we work closely with universities. We regularly offer seminars and lectures, such as our UX seminar at the University of Leipzig, which covers the fundamentals of user-centred software development, or guest lectures on Artificial Intelligence, which delve into both technical and ethical aspects.

Our annual master’s module at MLU Halle-Wittenberg focuses on agile development methods and is being considered as an inter-university offering for the University of Leipzig. We also encourage our working students to participate in international hackathons, such as those in Stockholm or Hanover. These projects enhance digital skills and foster innovative solutions for societal challenges.

Commitment to Digital Education

By supervising numerous academic theses, we have become a key resource for students during and after their studies. Our academic advisory board, comprising lecturers specialising in business informatics and led by our scientific advisor Dr Danny Hucke, bridges academic expertise with practical application. This close collaboration allows us to address current trends and support highly skilled emerging professionals in further developing their digital competencies with us. In addition to academic mentoring, we directly support talented students through initiatives like the German Scholarship.

Supporting the German Scholarship

As a long-standing sponsor of the German Scholarship, we provide high-achieving and dedicated students with the freedom to pursue personal and academic growth. Each year, the scholarships are ceremonially awarded at MLU Halle-Wittenberg, celebrating both sponsors and recipients. This year, the event revolved around the theme "100 Years of Sports Science in Halle" and featured inspiring guests such as Olympic athlete Laura Riedemann.

Our involvement reflects our deep commitment to fostering young talent. The students we have supported have consistently impressed us with their motivation and achievements. Beyond financial aid, we regularly invite them to our offices, offer internship opportunities, and help them build strong networks. This long-term support creates opportunities that extend well beyond the scholarship itself.

The German Scholarship is co-funded by businesses, foundations, or individuals, with the other half provided by the government. Offering €380 per month for at least two semesters, it provides valuable assistance to students, regardless of their income. At IT Sonix, we value such programmes as they reward not only academic excellence but also social engagement – values we hold dear.

Promoting Digital Expertise at Events

The IT² Day Halle focuses on fostering digital expertise. During the event, our Xperts exchanged ideas with the regional IT community on topics such as IT security, digital transformation, and agile software development. Events like these encourage dialogue about technological innovations and deepen digital knowledge – which aligns closely with the goals of World Computer Literacy Day.

Another highlight of our commitment to digital education is the annual World Usability Day (WUD), which is organised by us. Dedicated to promoting user-friendly technologies and raising awareness of User Experience (UX), the WUD brings professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe together to discuss intuitive, user-centred digital solutions. On 14 November, IT Sonix hosted the eighth WUD in Leipzig, featuring talks and workshops that offered a platform for discussing current developments in UX and usability. This aligns with the objectives of World Computer Literacy Day: enhancing access to digital knowledge and empowering individuals to confidently use digital tools. Both days emphasise empowerment and inclusion, helping people develop digital skills and navigate the digital world effectively.

Through our diverse initiatives, we aim to make the digital world more accessible and comprehensible for all – laying the foundation for a future where technology creates opportunities, removes barriers, and connects people.