Students from the Greek Community of Melbourne are stepping up to help their grandparents navigate the digital age in the innovative “Intergenerational Program: I Help Grandparents with Technology”.
This collaborative initiative seeks to bridge generational gaps, promote communication, and empower both young and elderly members of the community.
Developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Social Services and organisations such as “Be Connected,” “Good Thing Foundation,” “eSafety,” and “Education Centre Victoria,” the program will be overseen by Christina Dalianis within the GCM schools.
Under the program, students will serve as technological mentors for their grandparents, guiding them in using modern online tools and applications to foster a deeper understanding and connection between the two generations.
The initiative aims to empower both generations involved as students gain knowledge and the ability to teach their grandparents how to navigate smartphones, tablets, and social media.
In return, the elderly participants will receive technological training and the opportunity to ‘reconnect’ with their grandchildren, share stories from the past, and offer assistance in using the Greek language.
“The need for grandparents to communicate with their grandchildren, who communicate differently today, led me to create a program that aims to teach children mainly empathy, that is, to show them how they can help someone by understanding them and without judgment,” said Mrs Dalianis.
“To teach grandparents to use today’s technology. But above all, to give both generations the opportunity to communicate effectively, feel useful, and help each other.”
Mrs Lefteriotis, a teacher at the GCM schools participating in the program, added that “The students are very happy with this program. They feel they have a purpose and find motivation to visit their grandparents.”
Meanwhile, a sixth-grade student, referred to as A D said that “It helped me with my progress in Greek, but I also liked it because I travelled through time, seeing and touching old technology devices. I found it difficult or complicated to use some of them.”
Her grandmother, now more at ease with modern technological topics, appreciates the improved communication and her newfound ability to use various applications.
The program will culminate with a celebratory event to be attended by all participants, acknowledging the progress made by grandparents and the skills acquired by students.
Funding for the program comes from “Be Connected,” an Australian Government organisation dedicated to enhancing the digital confidence, skills, and online safety of older Australians.
The partner organisation, “Education Centre Victoria,” is responsible for implementing the “I Help Grandparents with Technology” Intergenerational Program.
Free learning resources related to the initiative can be found on the “Be Connected” website: Be Connected Training Resources.
