Waterford community groups encouraged to apply for digital literacy funding

Community groups in Waterford are being urged to apply for digital literacy funding through a scheme, titled the 'Hi Digital Fund', launched by Rethink Ireland and Vodafone Foundation.

The €540,000 fund will be aimed at helping to bridge the digital divide for older adults in Ireland which, according to CSO 2021 figures, show almost half of people aged over 75 have never used the internet.

The statistics indicated 46 per cent of people in that age category had never used the net and the Rethink Ireland and the Vodafone Foundation launched the new 'Hi Digital Fund' to bridge that societal divide.

The two-year fund will support five innovative organisations that are providing services for older adults aged 65 and above to develop essential digital skills. 

Applications for the fund are now open and will close on May 26. 

The fund will provide cash grants and business supports for social innovations that enhance digital literacy and inclusion for older adults in their community, bridging Ireland’s digital skills gap. It also promotes innovative approaches to ensure no one is left behind, teaching essential skills like smartphone use, e-health and smart home tech.

The Hi Digital Fund was created by Rethink Ireland – the funding body thinking differently to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland – and is supported by the Vodafone Foundation, private donors and Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

“Digital exclusion is a silent crisis affecting thousands of older adults across Ireland." said Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland.

“Through the Hi Digital Fund, we're not just teaching tech skills - we're reconnecting people to essential services, reducing isolation, and enabling independent aging," she added.

"This fund represents a critical investment in ensuring no older person is left behind in our increasingly digital society.” 

Meanwhile, the Head of Vodafone Foundation, Liz Roche stated: “At Vodafone Foundation, we believe that everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have access to the digital world. By funding Rethink Ireland, we will grow to support five new organisations across Ireland so that they have the resources to help older adults improve digital literacy skills and online confidence. We’re dedicated to reaching even more isolated people and making technology accessible for all”.

Roisin Mills, Programme and Training Commissioner from the Irish Girl Guides also commented on the new fund and said: "At Irish Girl Guides, we believe in creating an equal and inclusive world for all. We are proud to partner with the Vodafone Foundation to deliver the Hi Digital programme, an initiative designed to empower older people with essential, real-world digital skills. Through this experience, not only our youth members are helping others to grow in confidence and ability, but they are also developing invaluable personal skills themselves, including communication, empathy, patience, and leadership"

The fund will support diverse community initiatives and sustainable digital literacy programmes that remove barriers for older people who are unfamiliar with the digital world. 

The Vodafone Foundation will donate €250,000 over two years, with an additional €20,000 from private donors, totalling €270,000. The Department of Rural and Community Development will match that amount via the Dormant Accounts Fund, resulting in a total fund of €540,000.