Day in the Life of a Senior Digizen Volunteer

Jerome “Jay” Callueng, Process Automation Manager from Channel Management Group, gives you a glimpse (glimpse?!?) of his day as a Senior Digizen volunteer, where he gets to meet and teach seniors about different digital skills (digital skills?!?).

In my volunteer era ✨

I have always been a Lola’s boy. When I heard that the Senior Digizen program was looking for volunteers, signing up was a no-brainer. 

Before she passed, I often helped my Lola as she struggled with technology. I wanted to extend the same helping hand to other seniors, assisting them on using gadgets and avoid scams. My mother is also turning 70 this year so I dedicate my volunteering to her too – though she’s more techie, especially when it comes to downloading cute screensavers on her phone. 😛

Goodbye Philippines, hello Laguna! Our volunteers are on the way to a Senior Digizen learning session in San Pedro, Laguna.

The first “Senior Digizen: Teach Me How to Digi” learning session was held in SM North Edsa last January 25, 2024. Around 200 seniors were taught basic digital skills such as Smartphone 101, online safety, and how to use tools like Gmail, GCash, and KonsultaMD, all for free. Our goal was to turn them into “senior digizens.”

We had a rocky start as we kicked off this new program, but we soon got the hang of it. We kept getting more volunteers; I saw new and familiar faces, which is a true sign of being a Ka-One Globe.

Touchdown San Pedro!

It was a refreshing and fulfilling experience. I got to connect with seniors and it reminded me of my bond with my grandmother. Many of the attendees needed help with different tasks like turning on their mobile data, accessing WiFi, scanning QR codes, and browsing the Internet. They’re often most familiar with simply clicking icons for YouTube, Netflix, or other social media apps, with their accounts already logged in.

With our very energetic and ready-to-learn seniors!

I was happy to see the audience connect with the topics being discussed. One senior I assisted even mentioned that the learning session was truly enlightening for them and that they learned so much, not just in using Globe apps but how to maximize and secure their gadgets, social media accounts, and other apps.

Another lola I met, Nanay Leticia Apilado, was quite appreciative of the program. She was eager to learn more about securing her account and getting into the vibe of her Gen Z apos. This is a testament to the mission of the Senior Digizen campaign in the first place: as we work towards making the Philippines a digital nation, no Filipino must be left behind.

Volunteering for Senior Digizen was such a refreshing and fulfilling experience. Halata naman sa freshness ko dito.

I definitely recommend our Ka-One Globe to support the Senior Digizen program and volunteer for the learning sessions. We get to share our knowledge and experience with them while building their connection with and trust in Globe. This experience has brought so many great new memories for me. Nothing beats hearing the seniors give their utmost appreciation to the volunteers for the help we provided them, and seeing their smiles and laughter throughout the program.

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Who are the ‘senior digizens’ in your life? We’d love to meet them in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a ‘like’ on this article as well.