“The public administration has forced us to learn how to use a computer.” Eighty-nine year old grandpa Antonino jokes about being annoyed by the new courses promoted by Poste Italiane and the Fondazione Mondo Digitale. In reality, however, he proudly confesses that he has already organized to get extra help from his children so that he doesn’t look bad! And in August, he will also take his homework on vacation with him! He emphasizes his words with typical Sicilian gestures as he concentrates on all the new concepts that his tutor introduces.
The Palermo Photo Gallery
From Palermo, we move to Ascoli Piceno, where IIS Enrico Fermi Headmaster Patrizia Palanca succeeded in having her students work as tutors on the project. “School must teach us how to do things,” she points out and explains that students will only master their new skills when they use them practically in the field and demonstrate true values of solidarity.
Prof Rossella Ciccanti, one of the course coordinators, explains the educational value of the project
The Ascoli Piceno Photo Gallery
In Rome, we meet an old acquaintance, seventy-nine year-old Azzurra, one of the first over-sixties to participate in the Grandparents on the Internet pilot courses. She is happy to be back to learn more. It’s a beautiful example of lifelong learning.
The Rome Photo Gallery
Grandparents on the Internet at the “Poste” was conceived to help elders navigate the web and learn more about new communication technology. Poste Italiane opted for the Grandparents on the Internet Model developed by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale to promote its digital literacy pilot project in post offices around the country [see news "Grandparents at Post Offices"].
Yesterday, July 7, pilot courses kicked off in Rome, Palermo and Ascoli Piceno and they will be joined by Naples tomorrow. Courses will also begin in Asti and Mantua on July 10. Starting in September, the programme will be extended throughout Italy.
Cinzia De Coro, Lifelong Learning and Internal Communications Manager at Poste Italiane, says hello at the first course day at the Via Lenin Post Office in the Trullo neighbourhood in Rome.
