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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

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