Vodafone Foundation, Girl Guides partner to teach digital skills to older people
Vodafone Foundation has begun a partnership with Irish Girl Guides to help close the digital divide between generations. The Guides have become a partner of Vodafone Foundation’s Hi Digital initiative, which brings digital skills, training and support directly to older people across the country. More than 800 Girl Guides will be trained as ‘digital champions’ who will in turn support more than 3,000 older people in to improve online and digital skills.
These digital champions will introduce the older people to hidigital.ie – a free online learning platform developed by Vodafone Foundation. Everyone involved will earn a certificate and the Girl Guides will also earn a new Hi Digital badge.
The course is split into short lessons which teach people how to access the Internet, use smartphones and stay safe online. The programme aims to create a more connected community, reducing loneliness and isolation among the older population.
According to research by the charity Age Action, almost two-thirds (65%) of older people either lack basic skills or don’t use the Internet. One in four (25%) people aged 60-74 and more than half (56%) of those aged 75 and over do not use the internet. Of those aged between 65-74 who are active online, 43% admit their digital skills are below basic levels, while just 6% say they have “above basic” digital skills.
Vodafone’s Hi Digital programme launched in 2021, and to date has supported over 20,000 older people in improving their digital skills. Irish Girl Guides join Vodafone Foundation’s existing charity partner, Alone, which provides a range of support to older people, including a befriending service and assistive technology.
Liz Roche, head of Vodafone Foundation, said: “The partnership is the perfect fit and natural extension of our Hi Digital programme which aims to bridge the digital divide between generations and support older people in becoming digitally independent – giving them the tools to safely explore the online world and stay connected with friends and family.”
Lorraine Mackey McHugh, CEO, Irish Girl Guides, said: “Intergenerational work is a central part of the Irish Girl Guides ethos and we are delighted to partner with Vodafone Foundation to share the Hi Digital programme. One of the wonderful things about Hi Digital is that it can happen at the pace that the older person wants to go at. Our girls and volunteer leaders are eager to make that happen and help people in their community.”
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers