Bridging the Digital Gap: Youth Volunteers Empower Seniors Through Smartphone Training

In a world increasingly driven by technology, no one should be left behind. That’s the message behind the We Are One Youth Volunteer Group’s latest initiative to bridge the digital divide for elderly citizens in Seoul, South Korea.

Hands-On Smartphone Education for Seniors

From July 24 to August 14, 2025, We Are One (Seoul-Gyeonggi Western Regional Union, Yeongdeungpo Branch), a youth volunteer group affiliated with Shincheonji Church of Jesus, is hosting a four-week smartphone education program for seniors aged 60 to 80 in the Yeongdeungpo and Dongjak districts.

With over 30 seniors participating, the sessions take place every Thursday morning and are centered on hands-on training, designed to strengthen digital literacy and boost confidence in everyday smartphone use.


Weekly Curriculum Designed for Real-Life Use

The program offers a step-by-step guide tailored to the needs of digital beginners:

  • Week 1: Learning the basics – turning the phone on and off, unlocking the screen

  • Week 2: Sending text messages and making phone calls

  • Week 3: Taking photos and accessing the gallery

  • Week 4: Using real-life apps like KakaoTalk, public transit apps, weather forecasts, and YouTube

Each class follows a lecture-practice-Q&A format, with a remarkable 2:1 ratio of youth volunteers to seniors. This ensures personalized support and meaningful interaction between generations.

More Than Just Tech Support

This initiative is not just about teaching technology—it’s about connection, compassion, and community. One participant, 75-year-old Ms. Heo from Yeongdeungpo, shared,

“As I grow older, using devices feels intimidating. I always worried I might break something. But this class gave me the confidence I needed. It was so helpful.”

Youth volunteers not only served as digital guides but also as friendly companions, fostering warmth and respect across generational lines.


A Model of Youth-Led Social Impact

Lee Joong-won, regional director of We Are One, expressed the program's deeper mission:

“At first, many of the seniors were very hesitant. But we’ve watched them grow more confident each week. As a youth-led social contribution model, we’re proud to help close the digital divide in our community.”

Looking ahead, We Are One plans to expand the program by partnering with local welfare centers and municipalities, offering on-site mobile education upon request.

This is just one of many efforts by We Are One to build a more connected, caring, and inclusive society.


Source: https://vo.la/nQMSMt

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

Shincheonji Church Holds Passover Service and Annual General Assembly

이미지
A Step Toward Realizing 2025 as the ‘Year of Love and Blessing’ On January 15, 2025, Shincheonji Church of Jesus successfully hosted the 42nd Passover Service and the 41st Annual General Assembly at its Cheongju Church in Heungdeok-gu, Chungbuk. This significant event served as an opportunity for the church to reflect on its achievements over the past year and discuss new visions for the future. The Meaning of Passover and the Message of Revelation For Shincheonji Church, the annual Passover Service is not just a remembrance of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt under Moses, as described in the Bible. It is interpreted as a spiritual journey from death to life , guided by the teachings of Revelation. The church emphasizes that true salvation involves understanding the Word of Revelation, avoiding judgment, and entering Zion Mountain as described in the Bible. During his sermon, Chairman Man Hee Lee highlighted the importance of becoming a light to the world, saying, “We must all be...
자세한 내용 보기

Shincheonji Chairman Man Hee Lee’s Powerful Message in Gwangju: The Fulfillment of Revelation

이미지
On March 26, 2025, Chairman Man Hee Lee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus delivered a powerful message at the Peter Tribe’s Gwangju Church during a Wednesday worship service. Speaking before more than 30,000 attendees, including pastors, believers, and journalists, he underscored the necessity of correctly understanding and believing in the Book of Revelation. He warned that altering or disregarding its prophecies would prevent even theology scholars from entering heaven. As part of his nationwide tour to testify to the fulfillment of Revelation, Chairman Lee emphasized that these prophecies are not distant or symbolic but are actively being fulfilled today. He challenged pastors and believers to examine the evidence for themselves and embrace the truth based on the Word The Call to Recognize the Fulfillment of Revelation Chairman Lee stressed that for 2,000 years, the prophecy of Revelation remained unfulfilled, but today, its events are taking place. He urged all believers, including pa...
자세한 내용 보기

Shincheonji Busan Church: Sharing Life Through Blood Donation

이미지
Spreading Love and Hope with a Drop of Blood The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Busan James Tribe) in Busan recently made headlines with a meaningful blood donation campaign. This effort came in response to a request from the Korean Red Cross Busan Blood Center, addressing the urgent blood supply crisis caused by the recent respiratory illness outbreak and the holiday season. The campaign took place outside the Busan Church, utilizing a blood donation bus. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan 26th 2025, more than 10 church members participated every hour, showcasing a united effort by people of all ages. Mr. Son Tae-joon, a male church member in his 20s, shared his thoughts, saying, “I’ve donated blood at blood centers before, but donating in front of my church felt even more special. I’ll continue to participate in blood donations to spread positive influence in the world.” Another participant added, “Knowing that my blood could save a life ga...
자세한 내용 보기