Educators are always looking for ways to bridge the generational digital divide, and a new exciting partnership between the Vodafone Foundation and Irish Girl Guides is helping to do just that. The pair have joined forces to launch the Hi Digital initiative, an online learning platform specifically designed to help older adults improve their digital skills.
The Hi Digital programme, which launched in 2021, has already helped over 20,000 people become digitally independent. Now, the Vodafone Foundation and Irish Girl Guides are taking the initiative to the next level, providing digital training and support to over 3,000 older adults by training 800 Girl Guides as Digital Champions.
The Digital Champions will introduce older people to Hi Digital’s free online learning platform, which is divided into short sessions that educate people on how to use the Internet, smartphones, and stay safe online. Everyone associated with the initiative will receive a certificate, and Girl Guides will earn a new Hi Digital badge.
In addition, the Vodafone Foundation has provided 100 tablets to the Girl Guides for use in classes across Ireland. The Girl Guides are also planning a series of coffee mornings for older people in their communities to celebrate the UN International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2023.
These initiatives are vital for improving digital literacy among older adults. Research from Age Action shows that 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.
The partnership between the Vodafone Foundation and Irish Girl Guides is a great example of how educators can help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to digital skills. As Lorraine Mackey McHugh, CEO of Irish Girl Guides, said: “Intergenerational work is a central part of the ethos, and we are delighted to partner with Vodafone Foundation to share the Hi Digital programme. Our girls and volunteer leaders are eager to make that happen and help people in their community.”
