For 83 year-old Seda Margaryan, decades of teaching have been the foundation of a successful career and a lifelong commitment to learning. Determined to keep pace with today’s digital world, she spent the past month participating in the Digital Skills Development for Vulnerable Groups training course.
“I can now navigate the internet much more easily. I found answers to many of my questions. During the course, we learned the basic principles of cybersecurity and how to use online services. Now I manage my online activities much more confidently and independently,” said Seda Margaryan.
Her experience was echoed by the other participants in the course, organized by the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO with financial support from the Internet Society Foundation. The program equipped participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to use digital technologies safely, confidently and independently. The course concluded on June 26 with a certificate award ceremony.
Over the course of a month, more than 60 participants aged 60 and above, representing over 50 different professions, attended training sessions at the Armenian-Indian Center for Excellence in ICT. They learned the fundamentals of digital security, became more confident in using smartphones and online services, explored digital communication platforms and discovered how artificial intelligence tools can help solve everyday tasks.
Speaking at the certificate ceremony, Igor Mkrtumyan, President of the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO, emphasized that digital education has no age limits.
“Regardless of age, the willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills is essential not only for personal growth but also for the development of society as a whole. Each of us can contribute to collective progress through our professional and personal experience. To do so, we must understand and embrace the opportunities offered by modern technologies,” he said.
Participants noted that the course changed not only their level of digital knowledge but also their attitude toward technology. While many had previously relied on their children or grandchildren for assistance, they now feel confident using online services, making digital payments, finding information and managing their digital lives independently.
According to Vesmira Harutyunyan, Board Chair of the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO, more than 150 people aged 60 and above have participated in similar programs implemented by the organization.
“The success of these programs and the growing public demand motivate us to continue these initiatives. Together with our international and local partners, we will continue implementing projects that promote digital inclusion in Armenia and strengthen digital skills across different age groups,” she said.
Public Television Report on the Course.
