Vodafone free digital literacy training programme for older adults in Dundalk

Vodafone has announced that it has rolled out in-person digital learning courses in the Vodafone store in Dundalk as part of its popular Hi Digital programme which is aimed at increasing levels of digital literacy among older people. 

The Vodafone store in the Marshes Shopping Centre in Dundalk, in addition to the Vodafone Store in West Street in Drogheda Town are encouraging older adults to visit their stores for Drop-In Fridays from 10am-1pm each Friday for free learning courses in digital learning, building confidence and skills, especially for those feeling isolated from digital society and vulnerable to being left behind.

Launched in 2021, the free online Hi Digital course is divided into short lessons that teach older adults how to access the internet, use smartphones, stay safe online, and identify and avoid scams and fraud. 

To date, over 65,000 older adults throughout Ireland have participated in the Hi Digital programme which addresses the growing digital exclusion experienced by older adults, empowering them to use the internet in their daily lives and stay connected for the future.   

In 2023, the Vodafone Hi Digital programme expanded to offer in-person support for older adults in Vodafone stores nationwide with ‘Drop-in Fridays’. This service provides free practical support on using phones, tablets, and computers. Due to its popularity, Vodafone has added 13 additional stores to the programme nationwide.    

Hi Digital Drop-In Fridays occur every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with trained ‘Hi Digital Ambassadors’ offering personalised assistance. For those unable to attend on Fridays, the free online course at hidigital.ie provides useful tips and information.   

The Vodafone Foundation will soon launch a new video on the Hi Digital site, demonstrating how to navigate the Transport for Ireland app, helping older adults incorporate it into their daily lives. Programme Highlights: 

• 65,000 Participants: Since its inception, over 65,000 older adults have engaged with the Hi Digital programme through online courses, in-person training, and drop-in sessions. 
• Diverse User Base: Approximately 60% of Hi Digital platform users are female and 40% are male, with an average age range of 65-75. The programme also regularly supports individuals in their 80s. 
• Store Expansion: Vodafone Ireland have added an additional 13 stores which offer the Hi Digital Drop In Friday service, bringing the total to 49 locations nationwide. 
• Popular Training Modules: The most popular modules include ‘Introduction to Using My Smartphone’, ‘Computers and the Internet – Basics’, ‘Identifying Scams and Frauds’, and ‘Introduction to Apps – Using WhatsApp’. 
• Partnership with Irish Girl Guides: In 2023, Vodafone Foundation launched a partnership with the Irish Girl Guides. To date, 25 Girl Guides units across the country have been trained as Digital Champions and have trained over 2,000 older people. 

The programme has been transformative for many older adults, enabling them to connect more easily with family and friends, access vital services, and navigate the digital world with confidence. 

Liz Roche, Head of the Vodafone Foundation in Ireland, said: “The Hi Digital programme has been a transformative initiative, bridging the digital divide and empowering older adults to confidently navigate the digital world.

"Seeing the positive impact on participants’ lives, from staying connected to loved ones to safely using online services, highlights how important this programme is to our participants. We are looking forward to continuing to expand our learning modules and making it as accessible as possible to ensure that nobody gets left behind in the digital world.”