The Hi Digital Programme is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at empowering individuals aged 65 and older with essential digital skills. The programme, lead by UL student volunteers, fosters independence, connection, and active participation in the digital age. The rollout of the of the Hi Digital programme in the Limerick region was undertaken as a collaboration involving the Vodafone Foundation, ALONE, the UL Student Volunteering Office, and UL Access Campus, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the digital divide among older adults in the community. Linda Fitzgerald, Student Volunteering Manager and Donal O鈥橪eary, Access Campus Manager in UL, collaborated to bring this learning opportunity to the community, supported by two Cooperative Education placement students, Aoibhin Sinnott and Adetola Giwa Ekeolere.
The Student Volunteering Office (SVO) at UL are instrumental in mobilising and coordinating student volunteers through their Student Volunteer Ireland platform StudentVolunteer.ie and who play a critical role as mentors and guides during the workshops. The Access Campus, UL have already established connections with the retirement groups across Limerick City and collaborated with the SVO in planning and organising the delivery of training. This intergenerational partnership fosters meaningful connections, builds a sense of community between young people and older adults, and emphasises the value of volunteering in bridging generational gaps. There was a unique synergy created by this specific collaboration of partners, which was instrumental in the initiative鈥檚 success. Vodafone Ireland鈥檚 funding to UL is pivotal in enabling the successful rollout of the initiative.
SDGs
The implementation between ALONE, Vodafone Foundation, UL鈥檚 Student Volunteering Office, and Access Campus, bridges generational gaps, combats social isolation, and fosters inclusion all in line with the SDGs:
SDG 4 focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal highlights the importance of intergenerational learning as a means to pass down knowledge and skills across generations.
SDG 17 emphasizes the need for partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It recognizes the value of intergenerational collaboration in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Student Experience
Students gain leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, while older adults benefit from relatable and energetic trainers. This intergenerational connection fosters a sense of mutual respect and understanding, creating a vibrant learning environment. The students came away from the weekly experience enthusiastic and energised, they thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the older adults. The 黑料社 reward all student volunteers with the President鈥檚 Volunteer Award (PVA).
"The ladies ended up teaching each other what they had just learned. The sense of community and friendship amongst the group was prevalent. Seeing all of the ladies happy and smiling when leaving was very satisfactory" Student Volunteer Clodagh.
Community Impact
鈥We have been so fortunate to avail of the expertise of the UL students who have opened our eyes and minds to the benefits of technology. We learned how to transfer photos, deal with ad blockers, pop ups, online shopping, using the internet and are looking forward to putting these into practice. It was such a positive experience for us鈥. Maura Thompson, Patrickswell Active Retirement Group.
