Simbioza Mobiln@ is an innovative initiative from Slovenia that addresses the digital divide, particularly for the elderly population in rural and remote areas. It is a unique Slovenian project that brings digital literacy to the elderly, particularly those in rural and remote areas. The project operates a “mobile classroom on wheels” that travels to these areas, offering workshops and training on ICT tools and services. This initiative not only empowers the elderly to improve their digital skills but also enhances their social inclusion and independence by helping them navigate modern technologies.
Launched in 2021, this “mobile classroom on wheels” offers free ICT workshops, interactive learning, and individual support to help seniors become more comfortable with digital technologies like smartphones and computers. The project employs a unique model of intergenerational cooperation, where youth volunteers contribute to teaching digital skills to the elderly. This setup fosters social cohesion and mutual learning between generations. Furthermore, Simbioza Mobiln@ extends its reach beyond just the elderly, involving 325 volunteers and engaging over 6,000 participants in workshops across Slovenia. The initiative also launched the Magda app, a mobile platform specifically designed for the elderly to access digital learning materials, further promoting self-learning and digital literacy.
Despite its formal end in December 2022, the project continued into 2023, conducting additional workshops and garnering recognition from Slovenia’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, which is considering expanding the concept.
This initiative is an exemplary response to two major societal challenges: population aging and the digital divide. It showcases how NGOs can swiftly adapt to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully promote digital transformation even among the most vulnerable groups. This project has gained significant recognition, even being shortlisted for the European Digital Skills Awards in 2023, and has inspired the Ministry of Digital Transformation in Slovenia to consider expanding the model with more mobile units.
Sources:
https://simbioza.eu/blog/simbioza-mobiln-potujoca-mobilna-ucilnica
https://www.deos.si/simbioza-mobiln-digitalno-opismenjevanje-starejsih/
