Digital Seniors – learning mobility for adults with fewer opportunities an opportunity to bridge the digital divide

The project “Digital Seniors – learning mobility for adults with fewer opportunities as a chance to bridge the digital divide” (Polish: „Cyfrowi Seniorzy – mobilność edukacyjna osób dorosłych o mniejszych szansach okazją do niwelowania wykluczenia cyfrowego”) is implemented by the Enabler Foundation from Rumia in cooperation with the Maltese training institution Future Focus Ltd.

This initiative responds to the need to develop the foundation’s educational offer in the field of non-formal adult education in the Kashubia region. The main objective of the project is to carry out international learning mobilities, which have made it possible to introduce modern technological tools into everyday activities and to enhance participants’ competences.

The main objectives of the project are:

• Reducing digital and social exclusion among 16 adult learners of the foundation through practical training in using computers, navigating the internet, and learning the basics of English.

• Supporting the professional development of staff by enabling 5 foundation employees (trainers and a board representative) to take part in an international job-shadowing mobility, which will allow them to learn about modern, international teaching methods in work with seniors.

• Expanding the educational offer of the Enabler Foundation with a permanent “Digital Seniors” programme and integrating digital components into the existing artistic, typographic, and graphic workshops.

• Increasing the foundation’s visibility and institutional capacity in the local community, which will facilitate building new partnerships and ensuring the continuity of grassroots activities.

The project was addressed to two main target groups:

• Residents of the Kashubia region aged 55+ (seniors), in particular from the districts of Wejherowo, Kościerzyna and Bytów, coming from rural and semi-rural municipalities. The support was aimed at people with so-called fewer opportunities (including those who are lonely, have disabilities or low incomes) who have only basic digital skills or none at all (for example members of Rural Housewives’ Circles or participants of Senior Clubs).

• Educational and management staff of the Enabler Foundation – senior trainers and board representatives involved in the development of inclusive education.

As part of the project, participants received comprehensive support consisting of:

• Group educational mobility for adult learners: a 6-day training trip to Malta for 16 seniors, including an intensive 24-hour course in basic digital skills and cybersecurity (e.g. using a computer, email and cloud services) and 12 hours of practical English language learning.

• Cultural and integration programme: organisation of cooking workshops (learning to prepare traditional Maltese dishes) and sightseeing trips (e.g. to the island of Gozo), helping to break down barriers and build self-confidence.

• Job-shadowing for staff: a 6-day training visit to Malta for 5 foundation employees in a 1:1 format with Maltese mentors, focused on organising digital, language and arts courses (Art, Design & Creative Studies) for older adults.

• Inclusion support: provision of full linguistic and cultural preparation before departure, coverage of travel and accommodation costs, as well as support from accompanying persons and an interpreter, ensuring seniors’ safety at every stage of the project.