NGO Associação Cidade Escola Aprendiz Promotes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Among Elderly

All 50x15 Learning Labs are designed to test distinct aspects of digital inclusion. While there are many digital inclusion programs targeted at professionals, adolescents, and children, senior citizens are a key demographic that has been largely ignored in the digital revolution. This issue is magnified by growing life expectancies around the world that will lead to a large number of unconnected seniors. To address this issue, AMD joined forces with a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Cidade Escola Aprendiz to collaborate on a Learning Lab project for digital inclusion of seniors in São Paulo, Brazil.

The program, named Oldnet, is based on a compelling methodology that calls for volunteer students from the surrounding communities to train seniors to be computer and Internet literate. This collaboration allows seniors to expand and maintain the social contacts vital to their longevity while bringing them closer to the youth in their community. Socially, Oldnet is an enriching and humanistic experience that promotes a connection between different generations, helping to prevent “age segregation.” Also, young people receive access to Internet services that may not have been available to them otherwise.

A major objective of this Learning Lab will be the dissemination of the program around the world through “Oldnet In A Box” kits. These kits will allow communities in Brazil, other South American countries, and the rest of the world to leverage the unique lessons obtained through the Oldnet Learning Lab.

The Oldnet program – begun in São Paulo, Brazil, by the NGO Associação Cidade Escola Aprendiz – seeks to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills among the elderly. The program is housed in a cyber café that is partially subsidized by an on-premises restaurant that serves both seniors and young volunteers. A distinguishing factor of the Learning Lab is its reliance on youth volunteers (typically aged 15 to 20) to teach the seniors. This provides benefits as follows:

For Seniors
Digital inclusion helps to integrate seniors socially. They are able to stay in contact with far-off relatives, visit websites that are of interest to them (health, diet, etc.), and indulge in hobbies. The Learning Lab acts as a center for meeting people and social interaction. Most importantly, self-esteem is greatly increased because seniors feel relevant in the eyes of the youth that are training them.

For Youth
Acting as educators helps young people in their maturation process and instills a sense of responsibility, self-esteem, and the capacity to empathize with the elderly. It is also a way of encouraging them to become more involved in the community and engage in civic activities using the program as a way to build identity. Not only does it encourage community involvement but it helps to elevate their views of the teacher’s role in the community.

AMD Involvement
As part of its 50x15 Initiative, AMD joined Associação Cidade Escola Aprendiz in its efforts to spread Internet usage throughout the senior community. Specifically, AMD upgraded the Oldnet Learning Lab at Café Aprendiz and is supporting Casa Redonda in refining and disseminating the methodology throughout São Paulo, Brazil, and beyond.

For more information on the installation and setup of this lab, download the complete learning lab capsule. The "capsule" document provides details on the full implementation of this lab.