Seniors find new skills with digital literacy program
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In India, Mahima Bhalotia founded The Social Paathshala to teach digital skills to older adults after noticing her boss repeatedly helped his mother with technology.
Bhalotia began by teaching family members, realizing many seniors lacked even basic knowledge assumed by most courses. She designed a curriculum starting with fundamentals like WhatsApp features and smartphone navigation, and now offers classes on topics ranging from digital payments to artificial intelligence.
Since launching in August 2020, The Social Paathshala has trained over 10,000 people aged 50 and above through online classes. The program emphasizes patience and repetition, accommodating different skill levels and phone types. Learners like 80-year-old Maya Maker are using their new skills to plan trips, explore AI tools, and stay connected. The platform has fostered a community where participants share experiences and support each other.
Bhalotia views her work as more than just digital education, seeing it as a way to empower seniors and enrich their lives. She recalls one student, undergoing dialysis, expressing deep gratitude after a lesson, highlighting the emotional connection the program creates.
