Study of the Digital Skills of the “Sons of War” of Angola, a contribution

Abstract

Angola only reached peace in 2002 after incessant civil wars. Wars that were stimulated by conflicts of interest generated between the superpowers of the time, in the so-called Cold War. 

As a result, we found an Angolan State with difficulties to cover and educate a diversity of peoples. The “Sons of War” (demobilized army soldiers) constitute a slice of that population, socially rejected, academically poor and unable to fully develop to this day. This article stems from the need to understand this reality, namely in its relation with the use of Technologies. 

In this work, a quantitative and hermeneutic methodology was used, with an ethnographic basis and interpretative nature. Bibliography related to the topic was sought through a critical literature review and a questionnaire survey was developed and applied to identify the Digital Skills of demobilized ex-military personnel. The surveys showed, among other data, an advanced age, reduced academic training, scarce access to the internet and to any type of digital tool (mobile phone, tablet and computer). 

Crossing these data with studies found in the literature review we can infer that the promotion of digital competence, in the context of adult education, can contribute to the acquisition of differentiated skills. The promotion of digital competence as a facilitating resource may contribute positively to the social reintegration of the “Sons of War” into civilian life.