Computer literacy program for senior citizens in Italy

In 2008 Eni Foundation launched, in collaboration with the Associazione Pionieri e Veterani Eni (Eni’s pioneer and veterans association, APVE), a program to promote computer literacy among senior citizens and to assist them in social integration.

One of the first initiatives being carried out is the Internet Corner project, set up in with Fondazione Mondo Digitale (FMD), which is aimed at equipping 50 on-line computer centers in 50 Senior Citizens’ Social Centers in Rome, identified also in collaboration with APVE. Eni Foundation’s contribution to setting up the 50 Internet corners consists in donating 150 PCs (3 for every center) and in covering the costs of setting up the on-line centers, installing ADSL lines (including paying the fees for a year) and training and information activities, which will be conducted by FMD.

APVE was also directly responsible for setting up three computer related micro-projects in response to the increasing demand from associations and institutions present on the territory for promoting the use of computer technology among senior citizens.
Two of these projects were launched in San Donato Milanese, one in collaboration with ALTE – Associazione “La Terza Età” and the other with the Municipality of San Donato. Both initiatives include setting up Internet points and organizing basic and advanced Internet courses for senior citizens.

The third project was launched with the Università della Terza Età, UNITRE in Venice Mestre, and aims at contributing to the development of educational activities in the University’s computer laboratory through the installation of new on-line points.

These initiatives represent the first important contribution Eni Foundation intends to make towards promoting greater social integration of senior citizens, which also includes bridging the divide in accessing ICT.