Aging & Social Change: Fifteenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Over six million children in South Africa live in multigenerational households with grandmothers. iGOGO offers an innovative solution to mitigating the digital divide between older persons and youth in poorly resourced communities through basic internet training. This project aims to equip grandmothers with essential digital technology skills and knowledge to support internet access to online educational and other platforms in households ultimately improving the life outcomes of themselves, the children they are raising and their communities. iGOGO consists of twenty sessions held to address digital issues facing grandmothers and grandchildren. These include cyber security, online banking and shopping, learning platforms, study applications and whatsapp. A tablet is provided to each participating grandmother on completion of the course allowing the tablet to become a household asset facilitating access to the internet and online learning for children in the household. Providing essential digital technology skills and enabling grandmothers to confidently navigate the digital world and access online resources and reducing the digital divide within their households is critical to improved health and life outcomes. Improved educational access for children being raised by grandmothers through supporting access to online educational platforms and resources will have the long-term impact of improving educational outcomes and opportunities. Training grandmothers in digital skills can significantly enhance their confidence and ability to navigate technology, fostering independence and supporting their grandchild’s access to the internet. Investing in the digital empowerment of grandmothers is crucial for bridging the digital divide and improving educational access and outcomes for grandchildren.