Digital Village: the experience of Claudio, a pensioner in Ancona.
Testing oneself at any age, not being afraid to face challenges and always being curious, are the recurring words that emerge from the stories of beneficiaries of the Digital Village training courses. The project, coordinated by GEMA and funded by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, promotes the digital inclusion of individuals who carry out domestic work, providing digital skills useful both in managing the home and for a possible entry or re-entry into the job market. Thanks to a course structured in seven modules, participants are discovering how to use social networks strategically, create digital content, manage the Office package with ease, safely use public administration services on-line, and optimise household management with digital tools.
For the third edition of the course, an invaluable collaboration was begun with the Italian Adult Catholic Scout Movement (MASCI), which we have documented through their experiences. The common thread is that the training is not only about digital awareness, but also addresses a desire for personal and community growth [see news: A Digital Village on the Move]. Our second testimonial is Claudio Ripanti, 61, a retired member of the public administration. Claudio lives in Ancona and has been part of the AN2 – Masci Marche community since 2004. “I joined Masci in 2004 because the idea of following scouting as an adult intrigued me, especially activities involving nature, learning by doing, and the community as a place of brotherhood and sharing. In Masci I have always questioned myself; first as a magister, then as a development referent, secretary, vice-secretary, and member of the communication patrol.”
What drove you to participate in Project Digital Village?
The drive comes from the need to experience the digital age not as an obstacle, but as a tool for everyday life: from shopping to travel and bureaucratic tasks. Furthermore, the ecological footprint drove me to try to be more active about paper consumption. It’s a way to cut down fewer trees and produce less CO2!
Before registering for the course, what was your relationship with technology? Did you ever feel the need to acquire more digital skills? And if so, why?
Before enrolling, my digital skills were at a good level, as I was a protocol clerk at a healthcare company. Since I left my job and no longer interacted with IT technicians, I have continued improving my digital shortcomings on my own, but I felt the need for a competent voice.
How do you find the course?
I found the approach very welcoming thanks to the professional coaches and the clear and simple language they used to present the various issues.
If you could describe the impact of Digital Village on your daily life in a few words, what would you say?
An interesting appointment. It gave me the perception of how impactful media bombardment is, and how fragile we are while using the Internet.
What would you say to someone who has issues with technology and hasn't signed up yet? What message would you like to convey to those who, like you, could benefit from the course but haven't decided to participate yet?
I would tell them to face the challenge and access the digital age as responsible adults. There is no turning back. And this transition will give us many more ways of dealing with all those bureaucratic tasks that still force us to wait in long useless queues.
Being informed and knowing how to use technology will give us a friendlier vision of it. To all those who have not signed up yet, I would say that they are missing an opportunity to gain greater awareness of digital tools. Signing up for the course will certainly help one avoid phenomena such as digital identity theft and scam attempts.
Interview by Onelia Onorati, Press Officer for the Fondazione Mondo Digitale.
