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Sweden
Category:
A Global Village
Vision, objectives and goals:
Senior Surf Sweden has one prime objective, that is to come as close as possible to older people, wherever they may live in Sweden ( and even to Swedes who are living abroad ) and help them overcome the barriers of suspicion and fright of computers and techNology. The Surf is a method to tackle the hardships of catching the interest of those who haven´t been given the opportunity, because of their age, to learn about computers and the internet during their active working years.
By using the local libraries as meetingplaces in the communities, and by engaging older people as tutors, the Surf appeals to the seniors. The word about Senior Surf Day is spread on local basis, via media, around the country. Friends and neighbours show up in the libraries to get an introduction to computers and the internet. The libraries are well kNown localities to most seniors and offer a friendly and warm atmosphere.
The Senior Surf concept is unique as it builds on the conviction that the elderly prefer to be tutored by someone their own age, at their own pace, together with their friends and in an environment that is well kNown and comfortable. It is a one day happening that involves hundreds of libraries across the country and gets massiv media attention.
The internet services that are chosen for the tutoring are well balanced in respect to the particular needs of older persons. The usefulness of the internet on a private and individual basis is emphasized, on this one day event in order to create a lasting interest in surfing the web.
How ICT contributes to the organisational objectives:
The first SeniorSurf was pulled off on September 29th 1999 and was scheduled for the participation of some 200 libraries and hopefully 10.000 visitors. As it turned out, over 30.000 senior citizens marched off to 375 local libraries in different places in Sweden and got their first hands on experience of the internet.
It was the biggest single introduction to the internet ever carried out in Europe. The media coverage was massive and over 600 articles were published about the SeniorSurf Day. TV and radio coverage was also impressive during and right after the Surf.
As a direct result of the nationwide Surf on one single day in September 1999, the number of SeniorNet Sweden members rose, from around 2.000 to over 4.000 in less than six months.
87 percent of the participating libraries want to arrange aNother SeniorSurf in 2000. The overwhelming results have made the mother organisation, SeniorNet Sweden decide to run the Surf project on a yearly basis. The concept is a winner and tops all other efforts and methods of inspiring the seniors to start surfing the internet.
User needs:
The SeniorSurf is a result of the search for a nationwide manifestation on the UN day for the elderly on September 29th 1999. SeniorNet Sweden in cooperation with its sponsors came up with the idea of gathering people in the local libraries, using voloun
Summary:
SeniorSurf Sweden is a pillar activity within SeniorNet Sweden, the virtual and physical network for Swedish senior citizens. Today the SeniorNet Sweden is a fast growing network of over 4000 seniors, most of whom are active in the 45 local clubs that have been established since the start in early 1997. The aim of the SeniorNet organisation is to reach out to all Swedish seniors (55+) and catch their interest in the new communications tools, especially computers and the Internet.
SeniorSurf Sweden is a simple but very efficient concept and activity that has proven to work extremely well as a means to attract the seniors and make them try the Internet.
The SeniorSurf is a one-day event that takes place on the same day all over the country, in the public libraries. A number of computers are set up and inspiring tutors, also seniors, introduce the beginners to the wonders of the Internet. Seniors teach seniors in the local library using methods that cater well to the elderly .
The SeniorNet speciality is to tailor-make the computer encounter, and the Internet training, to the seniors in such a way that they can taste, try and learn without any technical intricacies. They can learn at their own peaceful pace. The SeniorSurf actvitiy is based on this philosophy.
SeniorSurf Sweden took place for the first time on September 29th 1999, during the Year for the older persons and will be repeated yearly from Now on. It has been described at Uns General Assembly as the most successful single activity carried out within the global effort to strenghten the position of older people in the information societ.y.
This year SeniorSurf Day will take place on October 17.
Competition year:
2000