Grant Program
Emergency Response Program
Grantee Name
TechSoup Global in partnership with United Way The Netherlands
Grant Start Date
1 June 2021
Grant End Date
31 May 2022
Amount Funded
$250,000.00
City
Amsterdam
Country
Netherlands
Region
Europe
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
This project aims to alleviate seniors’ loneliness and isolation through individual/group video calls and/or meetings with volunteers; reduce isolation and improve the social integration of migrants; and shrink the digital divide in elderly and volunteer groups by promoting Internet use and attaining digital skills through training/ workshops. The project also aims to increase the level of digitization for seniors through a learning and digital skills development program; expose young people to the experience and wisdom of older adults; improve the mental health of all participants through regular communication; and build a bridge between generations to strengthen the connections between school students and the senior population in the community. The project is implemented in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Romania, the United Kingdom and Israel.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT?
Mental health issues and integration difficulties were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular isolation and loneliness for older adults, refugees and migrants, and young people from low-income and marginalized backgrounds. Dwindling contact with friends and family, limited understanding of communication devices, and social distancing adversely affect the mental state of many seniors. Most of these older adults do not have the tools or knowledge to communicate with others through the Internet. Migrants and refugees aso face unique difficulties which were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This project aims to promote social connectivity through technology. The project is a win-win approach in which volunteers are provided with professional training while simultaneously being integrated into the community, and older adults get familiarized with the Internet, increase their digital confidence, and connect with friends and family across the globe.
MEDIA AND PUBLICATIONS
See below for publications and other articles related to the project.