Digital Era:
Digital Skills and Cybersecurity Training Course for Adults and Elderly People
Programme: Erasmus+, Key Action 2 (KA210-ADU) – Small-scale partnerships in adult education
Duration: 12 months (01/09/2025 – 31/08/2026)
Grant Amount: €60,000.00
Applicant/Lead Organisation (Bulgaria): Association for Support of Elderly People of Retirement Age “POWER”
Partner Organisation (Italy): Centro Consorzi (Belluno, Italy)
Project Summary: In the modern world, digital technologies occupy a central place in our daily lives, yet a large portion of older adults face significant difficulties in using them. The lack of digital literacy not only limits their access to essential information and public services, but also exposes them to severe risks of cybercrime and social isolation.
The “Digital Era” project aims to develop and implement an effective training methodology for adults in the fields of digitization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. By creating accessible learning materials, conducting pilot training sessions, and building a supportive community framework, the project bridges the digital divide and empowers vulnerable groups to navigate the online environment safely and confidently.
Association for Support of Elderly People of Retirement Age “POWER” (Bulgaria)
Profile and Mission: A Bulgarian non-governmental organization (association) established to support elderly people and improve their quality of life through education, social engagement, and an active lifestyle. The organization believes that age should not be an obstacle to new knowledge and personal development.
- Activities: Organizes training programs to develop digital skills, workshops, and consultations on topics such as financial planning, healthy lifestyles, and emotional well-being. It conducts cultural and sports events, art therapy, and volunteer initiatives to prevent social isolation and build a strong sense of community. Within the “Digital Era” project, the association acts as the lead coordinator, overseeing overall implementation, liaising with target groups, and adapting training materials.
Centro Consorzi (Belluno, Italy)
- Profile and Mission: An Italian adult education and training center (established in 1981) that brings together the academic community, businesses, and professionals. The organization possesses extensive experience (over 40 years) in supporting businesses and citizens through training courses tailored to current technological needs.
- Activities: Specialized in the fields of cybersecurity (GDPR training, cyber-attack simulations), digitization (cloud technologies, digital marketing), and artificial intelligence (machine learning and automation). In the “Digital Era” project, Centro Consorzi serves as a key partner providing scientific and methodological expertise, technical support, digital risk research, and expert content on cybersecurity.
Objectives
Main Objective: To develop and implement an effective training methodology for adults and elderly people in the fields of digitization, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, aiming to enhance their digital literacy and minimize the risks of online threats.
Expected Results:
Target Groups
Individuals eager to upgrade their digital skills for safe internet usage, mobile application handling, and basic AI implementation in both their professional and personal lives.
Seniors with limited exposure to digital resources who urgently require foundational knowledge to protect themselves against cyber threats and bridge the gap of social isolation.
Living-alone seniors and individuals with minimal technological background who face a higher risk of digital exclusion and online exploitation.
The project delivers a rich suite of intellectual products designed for long-term sustainability and public utility:
Practical Training Guidelines: An analytical framework and guidebook providing simplified explanations of complex tech terms, real-life case studies, and safety protocols for daily internet usage.
Adapted Training Curriculum: A structured, pace-friendly educational program blending basic digital proficiency, online safety rules, personal data protection, and a friendly introduction to artificial intelligence.
Interactive Educational Toolkit:
Video Tutorials: Short, intuitive visual guides illustrating fundamental digital operations.
Companion Handbook: A handy text resource featuring step-by-step instructions for safe browsing and mobile app navigation.
Interactive Quizzes: Self-evaluation tests providing instant scoring and detailed error explanations to reinforce learning.
Digital Simulations: Safe virtual scenarios allowing participants to practice identifying online fraud and cyber threats without any real-world risk.