The past is present. Traveling with historical memory
Premise.
Recent studies demonstrate how digital skills can contribute to improving people's social, economic and psychological conditions, particularly in the most vulnerable segments of the population. Here you are. The project <<History is Us!>> has the ambition of digitally training adults so that, from the past, they take us into the future, enhancing social and cultural inclusion in the present. The initiative represents a concrete response to the growing need for digital integration, especially for those, like adults, who are less accustomed to technology. Within the project, digital and active citizenship education becomes the means to build a shared memory, enhancing the European identity and strengthening the sense of belonging and democratic participation. https://www.agendadigitale.eu/cultura-digitale/competenze-digitali/competenze-digitali-litalia-comincia-a-migliorare-i-dati-eurostat/
A historical journey
The <<History is Us!>> project has a concrete objective. Create a humanist memory that connects life stories of European citizens, highlighting the importance of their experiences, through digital tools such as multimedia videos and biographical testimonies. This approach has a dual function. On the one hand it allows participants to learn the basics of digital technology and, on the other hand, it also encourages them to explore and share their personal history, contributing to the creation of a European memory culture. According to the European Historical Memory report of the Council of Europe, a culture of shared memory can strengthen the sense of unity and cohesion among European citizens. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/IPOL_STU(2015)540364
Similar initiatives have already shown positive results, as demonstrated by "Digital Storytelling" applied at an academic and social level, thus allowing individuals to reflect on their experiences and strengthen their sense of identity. The collection of personal stories through digital media not only increases self-awareness but constitutes a cultural resource for future generations. https://www.ispring.it/blog/digital-storytelling
Biographical testimonies and multimedia documentation. A bond between generations.
Biographical testimonies are the heart of the project. Through the narration of their experiences, adults 67+ become protagonists of an intergenerational dialogue which, in addition to enriching the cultural fabric, contributes to reducing the digital divide. Participants not only learn to use technologies but also develop digital expression skills, consolidating their role within the community. The importance of digital biographical testimonies is confirmed by sociological studies which indicate how sharing personal stories through digital platforms can improve people's emotional and social well-being. Initiatives like this encourage mutual learning between the stakeholders involved. Participants acquire digital skills while the new generations learn life lessons from seniors, reducing generational gaps and creating a strong, present bond between past and future. https://www.jstor.org
Digital training as a tool for social inclusion.
Digital education is a crucial tool for promoting democratic participation and social inclusion. According to Eurostat, in 2019, around 19% of women and 15% of men in Italy had never used the Internet, with a particular concentration of this digital divide among older adults. Overcoming this obstacle does not only mean filling a technological gap, but also opening new doors to active and conscious participation. https://www.agendadigitale.eu/cittadinanza-digitale/eurostat-2019-e-stallo-digitale-in-italia-ed-europa/
The <<History is Us!>> project, adhering to the EU Action Plan for Digital Education 2020-2027, responds to the invitation to intensify cooperation between European countries for the promotion of digital skills . Through a training course, which includes practical and theoretical lessons, participants learn to use digital tools for daily life and civic participation. This training allows them to safely and critically access online information, increasing awareness of the risks of misinformation and fake news. https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education
Digital citizenship and democratic participation.
One of the pillars of the project is the development of digital citizenship skills, as outlined in the Council of Europe's Digital Citizenship Education Handbook. These skills include access and inclusion, media literacy, digital empathy and active participation. Through these activities, participants learn to recognize and protect their digital rights, strengthening their online presence in a responsible and safe way. https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/items/672450/
Digital citizenship and democratic participation.
One of the pillars of the project is the development of digital citizenship skills, as outlined in the Council of Europe's Digital Citizenship Education Handbook. These skills include access and inclusion, media literacy, digital empathy and active participation. Through these activities, participants learn to recognize and protect their digital rights, strengthening their online presence in a responsible and safe way.
Furthermore, the project aims to raise awareness among participants about personal data protection and online security, which are crucial aspects in today's digital society. The ability to navigate the Internet safely and distinguish reliable information is a fundamental skill for all citizens, especially for those entering the digital world for the first time. https://oecd-opsi.org/covid-response/improving-the-use-of-digital-services-for-senior-citizens-during-the-covid-19-and-beyond/
A future of inclusion and participation.
In conclusion. The initiative represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and digitally aware European society. Through the recovery of biographical testimonies and digital training, this project not only improves the technical skills of the adults involved, but also enriches the European cultural heritage, sharing a collective memory, accessible to all. Active and responsible participation in digital life thus becomes a right and a concrete possibility for anyone.
Digital inclusion, at the basis of this initiative, is not just a question of access to technology, but an element of social justice that reduces inequalities and promotes prosperity and well-being, both for individuals and for the community. Looking to the future, we can hope that similar projects will continue to proliferate, stimulating intergenerational dialogue and promoting a cohesive, aware and interconnected European society. https://fra.europa.eu/en
The past is therefore present, thanks to the project <<History Is Us!>>, in which training and inclusion, interregional and intergenerational, are nourished by our historical memory. The project is carried out with a strong and cohesive European PARTNERSHIP made up of HUBITAPROJECT ETS and GLAFKA sro.
For further details write now to info@historyisus.eu