On December 1, 2024 FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute (VUB & ULB) became a part of the ALGO-LIT | Algorithmic literacy for effective transparency in the EU project, which will run until November 30, 2027. This Erasmus+ initiative involves 4 partners: Datactivist, and La Mednum from France, Waag Futurelab from the Netherlands, and FARI from Belgium. This project enhances algorithmic literacy among digital inclusion workers within these countries. Professionals can support citizens in navigating algorithm-driven systems through mapping needs, sharing practices, and co-developing tools. Beyond open code, true transparency requires mediation—communication, explanation, and community-building—to make algorithms understandable and actionable.  

 

About ALGO-LIT 

The ALGO-LIT project aims to enhance algorithmic literacy among digital inclusion workers (i.e. Espaces Publics Numériques (EPN), Openbare Computerruimte (OCR), Libraries, CPAS) and rights advocates, focusing on supporting citizens in operating algorithm-driven systems. As AI and algorithms become increasingly ingrained in public and private services, ALGO-LIT identifies and promotes key competencies needed to understand and engage with these technologies.  

The project locates existing needs, connects professionals, provides training, and co-develops tools with the community. Beyond merely making code accessible, ALGO-LIT emphasizes algorithmic transparency through mediation—effective communication, explanation, and the creation of communities of practice.  

Drawing on nearly two decades of open data and digital literacy initiatives, the project recognizes that transparency without mediation is insufficient; instead, it must be combined with structured guidance and collaboration to empower professionals and citizens alike. Through training, knowledge-sharing, and institutional advocacy, ALGO-LIT works to integrate algorithmic literacy into broader EU frameworks, enabling meaningful access to and understanding of AI-driven decision-making processes. 

 

FARI’s Involvement  

FARI plays a leading role in advancing algorithmic literacy by defining key mediation skills within the EU competency frameworks and developing a pilot teaching strategy. It also takes part in the coordination of co-creation workshops to shape an EU-wide algorithmic literacy framework. Additionally, FARI oversees the dissemination and assessment of training materials to ensure their effectiveness and accessibility to the specific needs of digital inclusion workers.  

Together with its partners, FARI aims to anticipate and meet the growing demand for digital inclusion workers to help citizens navigate algorithm-driven decisions, such as completing tax forms, interacting with AI chatbots and creating awareness on the many algorithms driven decisions taken that are unbeknown to final beneficiaries of public rights. Through collaborating with these professionals, complex algorithms will be identified and explained. Alongside workshops and other co-creation initiatives, the project aims to strengthen algorithmic literacy and foster a sense of community. 

 

Contact 

Léa Rogliano, Citizen Engagement Hub Lead: lea.rogliano@fari.brussels 

Alice Demaret, FARI, AI Impact Advisor: alice.demaret@fari.brussels 

Loup Cellard,  Datactivist, Scientific Director: algolit@datactivi.st