IDP organizes two high-impact Dissemination Events in Italy for the Erasmus+ BOOMER Project

IDP European Consultants, partner in the BOOMER project 2022-1-HR01-KA220-ADU-000085230 - co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission - recently organized two successful dissemination events in Italy. The events, which took place in collaboration with local partners, were part of Work Package 5 (WP5) of the BOOMER project, which aims to promote digital literacy among senior citizens, addressing the urgent need for upskilling seniors in digital competencies across Europe.

The first event, held on June 25, 2024, was organized in collaboration with the Formula A.P.S. Association, an organization that works closely with municipalities to provide essential services to citizens. This event attracted a diverse audience, including a policymaker responsible for social issues and adult education.

During this session, participants explored the broader impact of integrating digital education into senior-focused social services. The discussion highlighted the systemic improvements that such initiatives can bring to local communities, especially in terms of adult and senior education. By facilitating access to new resources and digital tools, the event inspired local stakeholders to explore further initiatives that address the needs of elderly citizens. Moreover, the presence of a policymaker opened avenues for strengthening the link between adult education policies and the BOOMER project’s outcomes.

The second dissemination event, held on July 31, 2024, at the "Centro Sociale Anziani" (Seniors’ Social Center), gathered 25 participants, including senior citizens and a local policymaker. A representative from IDP European Consultants introduced the audience to the BOOMER project, effectively bridging the gap between digital technologies and the real-world needs of seniors by using relatable and analogy examples to ease comprehension.

The event integrated gamification elements, such as interactive quizzes, to engage participants actively. These interactive tools helped maintain high levels of attention, ensuring that seniors could grasp and retain key concepts while fostering motivation and participation. The quizzes not only served as a teaching tool but also encouraged dialogue among participants, sparking meaningful conversations about their experiences with digital tools.

One of the key outcomes of this session was the enthusiasm shown by the participants for the BOOMER project and the event. They expressed a strong interest in the topics covered, particularly cybersecurity, as they learned new skills to protect themselves online, boosting their confidence in navigating the digital world safely.

Although the session introduced only basic concepts, the participants were highly motivated by the relevance of the training, and many expressed their desire for additional events and similar initiatives in the future. The lively discussions during the session reflected the value that seniors placed on having dedicated resources tailored to their digital education. By the end of the event, many participants expressed a strong desire to continue learning and improving their digital competencies, demonstrating the lasting effect of the BOOMER project.

For more information about the BOOMER Project, please visit our website.