On 17 May 2010, World Internet Day, the Technology Volunteering Programme proposed a series of activities carried out by volunteers in different locations of the Spanish Region of Castile and León.

The initiative aims to contribute to social transformation and to reducing inequalities in the access to and the use of new technologies. The various activities proposed that day sought to raise the citizens' awareness of the benefits, advantages and uses of the Internet while informing on the achievements of the Technology Volunteering Programme, and thus foster positive attitudes towards the respect of equal opportunities. 

On Internet day the technology volunteers moderated Internet training workshops of 1.5 hours during which they presented the Internet Use Guide. An online activity consisted of publishing a blog which became over the day a communication channel for displaying pictures, reporting experiences and expressing comments.

The Technology Volunteering Programme is made up of altruist, dedicated and enthusiast people who try to bring new technologies closer to the entire population, in particular people at risk of social exclusion. The technology volunteers are people over 16 who assist both the teachers and learners. Among other functions, the technology volunteers:

• Support the development of the courses and new technology trainings delivered by the Regional Government of Castile and León, as well as workshops aimed at people at risk of social exclusion;
• Assist the users of the Public Access Internet Centres (Cibercentros) which do not have a facilitator/coordinator;
• Provide the new technology trainings promoted by the Regional Government of Castile and León.

The programme hence forms a key element of the Welfare State; it does not only serve as a tool for social development, participation and integration, it also supports and complements the action of the regional government in the field of new technology training, thus benefiting the entire society and maximising the resources available to the community. 

 

Further information:

•  Original news article - Telecentros.es (in Spanish)
• Technology Volunteering Programme (in Spanish)