The digital skills program was launched with the first 50 seniors from the city of Durlești, a suburb of the capital, receiving mobile phones and connecting with young volunteers from the community to foster dialogue and social cohesion. During the official ceremony, seniors participated in their first training session and social cohesion activity. The program aims to strengthen social cohesion, dialogue, and collaboration between young and older people in communities on both banks of the Dniester River.
The project is implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Moldova, and with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, HelpAge Moldova, and the Moldcell Foundation. By the end of 2025, 550 seniors will receive mobile phones, and 1,000 seniors from ten localities across the country will benefit from support from young people and digital inclusion lessons. The 10 beneficiary localities are: Comrat, Cahul, Căușeni, Durlești, Dondușeni, Ocnița, Orhei, Pelivan, Rîbnița, Tiraspol, and Dubăsari.
Seniors participating in the digital empowerment program were selected by Social Care service representatives from the partner communities based on predetermined criteria, taking into account their age (55+ for refugees, 60+ for locals), financial situation, lack of a mobile phone, need for social connection and physical ability to use the device, as well as their commitment to participate in the project activities and to work with the young ambassadors.
Attending the event, the Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, emphasized the importance of digital inclusion for seniors and the role of intergenerational dialogue in strengthening social cohesion. "Access to technology is not a luxury but a necessity for seniors, facilitating communication with family, access to essential information, and public services. Through this program, we aim to bridge the digital divide between generations and create opportunities for more active social interaction. Intergenerational dialogue is key to a more united community, and I am confident that this project will bring real benefits to both seniors and the young people involved," stated Alexei Buzu.
This initiative reflects the firm commitment of the partners involved to support older men and women in Moldova in adapting to new technologies and to facilitate intergenerational interaction for a more inclusive and cohesive society.
Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Moldova, highlighted the importance of the active role of seniors in society: "I believe that older people can contribute in many ways to the development of society and have much to share with young people. Seniors should not be seen only as beneficiaries of services and assistance. I also believe that young people play an important role in social change and the modernization of the country. They can do this by engaging in such initiatives, for example, by sharing knowledge and helping adults connect to the digital world."
Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Moldova Representative, added: "I express my gratitude to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Moldova for their valuable partnership and financial support for the Digital Skills Program through youth participation. UNFPA launched this program during the COVID-19 pandemic when elderly people in Moldova faced home isolation. We are pleased to continue a new phase of digital training in 10 districts on both banks of the Dniester. Together with our partners – the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Moldcell Foundation, and HelpAge – we will reach 1,000 seniors and 200 young volunteers who will work together to foster dialogue, cooperation, and social cohesion initiatives at the local level."
Seniors received Xiaomi Redmi 14C smartphones with 128GB of storage. After receiving their mobile phones, the seniors present at the event were assisted by a group of young people who provided them with their first training session on how to use the devices. The training included essential skills such as basic phone settings, using communication and messaging apps, social networks, and making online payments.
The project will contribute to strengthening social cohesion through intergenerational dialogue and cooperation and will continue throughout 2025. Training sessions will also cover financial education and digital access to social protection services. In this regard, some training sessions will be conducted by representatives of the National Social Insurance House and the financial-banking sector. Additionally, various activities will be organized to promote social cohesion, including film screenings, handicraft workshops, interactive games, and thematic discussion sessions.
