"Digital pioneers in Sandow": students bring generations closer together digitally
"Our motivation was to make everyday digital life easier for senior citizens and to facilitate an intergenerational exchange between young and old. We want to help and provide support where no one else might be able to," explains Anni Krüger, who coordinates the group of seven students. All seven are studying Social Work at BTU and are involved in the project on a voluntary basis. "At the same time, we are taking a module in the fourth semester of our Social Work degree programme, so that volunteering and studying can be combined in a meaningful way," explains Anni.
A central offer is the mobile phone consultation hour, which takes place every Monday from 15:00-17:00. There is also an open media programme for all age groups on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 14:00-18:00 at Sandower Hauptstraße 11. The centre not only provides support in dealing with digital media, but also offers advice on topics such as cyberbullying, cybergrooming, hate speech, excessive media consumption, computer games, online dangers, media use at home, media production and digital administration. This helps to make new contacts, break down prejudices and also helps the young "digital pioneers" to expand their own media skills.
"We are always happy to welcome interested senior citizens to our consultation hours. Every question is welcome - no matter how small or big it seems. What's particularly nice for us is that we don't just explain technology, but also learn a lot from the experiences of the older generation," enthuses Anni. She also wants to encourage other students to get involved: "It's a valuable experience - both professionally and in terms of working directly with the clients. The project shows how important digital participation is for all generations and how much fun it can be to shape it together," emphasises student Anni Krüger.
About the project
The "Digital Pioneers in Sandow" project initiated by Media To Be | M2B e.V.(https://www.m2b-cottbus.de/) creates a cross-generational exchange on the topic of smartphones and digital media. The aim of the project is to break down barriers in the use of digital media and simplify access for all generations. It is funded by urban development funds from the "Social Cohesion" programme.
