More information at yoconecto.org
To publicize YoConecto, the foundation has an unmistakable protagonist: Leo Harlem. Their participation in the campaign introduces a familiar, everyday and humorous tone, and uses those “digital messes” (those confusions and confusion that we have all experienced with our cell phones or computers) as a starting point to learn. The comedian shows situations that resonate with us all: the photo sent to the wrong group, the procedure that disappears, the password that never works… It is about normalizing the experiences of many people regarding the use of technology, breaking the shame of asking and prove that learning is not a matter of agebut to have adequate and accessible training.
A training opportunity that changes lives
According to the latest figures provided by the National Statistics Institute, Those over 65 years of age make up more than 19% of the total population in Spain. These people have had to face a technological transformation that is as rapid as it is profound: in just two decades, tasks that had traditionally been carried out at counters or through telephone calls, such as making a medical appointment or doing banking operations, have become managed through websites or applications. Everyday life has become digitalized at such a speed that many older people have felt overwhelmed and even expelled from certain processes which, in theory, are designed to be faster and more accessible.
When we talk about digital dividewe are talking about something more than a difference in knowledge. It is a barrier that affects autonomy, communication and, in many cases, emotional well-being. When an older person cannot complete a procedure because it requires a digital certificate, or depends on a family member to manage their finances, they lose decision-making capacity. When you don’t know how to make a video call or access instant messaging and respond, your contact with your environment is reduced, something especially important at a stage of life where it is relatively easy to fall into unwanted loneliness.
Despite this reality, technology, used appropriately, is a bridge to autonomy and new opportunities. And this is where YoConecto comes in, a free, national program from Fundación Voluntarios, designed to teach digital skills to older people. It has European support, as it is part of the Generation D initiative promoted by Red.es, by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, and is financed by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan through the Next GenerationEU funds.
A digital program to learn without hassle
YoConecto’s free courses are created to respond to the specific and daily needs of different profiles: young people, seniors, SMEs and entrepreneurs, families, teachers and people with functional diversity. The content ranges from the most basic digital skills to advanced tools, always from a practical approach. In the case of the senior public, the program starts with an introduction to the Internet that allows learn to navigate in a simple and secure way, become familiar with the procedures of the electronic Administration and use digital banking with confidence. Once this contact has been made, topics such as the construction of the digital identity and learning communication tools to teach participants how to create and manage an online profile, make video calls and navigate social networks with ease.
The training also incorporates the use of applications aimed at health and leisurethe importance of privacy management, creating strong passwords and recognizing possible digital threats and a last block dedicated to digital well-being aimed at maintaining a balanced relationship with technology and learning some guidelines to accompany children and young people in safe and responsible use of the Internet.
A methodology that accompanies
One of the keys to the program is its format: face-to-face and free coursestaught in associations, senior centers, municipal spaces, social entities and educational centers throughout the country. This presence guarantees that those who have the most difficulties find close support and step-by-step accompaniment.
But if something truly distinguishes YoConecto, it is the way of teaching. Cibervoluntarios Foundation has specialized trainers and a network of 4,500 cybervolunteers to adapt each course to the real level of the people who participate. Its methodology is based on clear explanations, without technicalities, with practical exercises that allow you to “learn by doing” and, of course, advance at the pace that each one needs and resolve any doubts that may arise. This approach seeks to build trust, reduce frustration, and allow all participants to feel part of the program.
Two decades promoting digital inclusion
Behind YoConecto is an entity with more than twenty years of experience in promoting digital literacy: Cibervolunteers Foundation. A pioneer in technological volunteering and with an international presence, she has been working since 2001 to eliminate the digital divide and promote technology as a tool for equality, social innovation and empowerment. Its alliance with more than 7,000 organizations in Spain and other countries reinforces a support network that guarantees that no one is left out of technological advances.
How to access the program
Both entities (associations, senior centers, town councils, educational centers, social organizations) and interested individuals can access the courses and request workshops through the YoConecto website, www.yoconecto.org, or by calling 674 72 76 23.