Bridging the Digital Gap: Successful Public Welfare Training via University-Government-Enterprise Collaboration
In an effort to implement the national initiative for bridging the digital divide among senior citizens, a public welfare training titled Seniors Surmounting the Digital Gap was held on the afternoon of October 29, 2025. The event took place at the Wuwan Community Committee Activity Room and was jointly organized by the Bengbu College of Technology and Business (BCTB), the Social Work Department of Yuhui District, the District Political and Legal Affairs Commission, the Zhanggongshan Sub-district Office, and the Weiwei Bingjiuniang Enterprise. A total of 30 elderly residents from the community actively participated in the training.
The comprehensive training program covered various practical applications of modern technology, including introductory experiences with AI tools like Doubao and Deepseek, usage of the Railway 12306 app, security strategies for WeChat Pay, e-commerce shopping, food delivery services via Meituan, initial attempts at smart home integration, and experiences with AI voice applications. The training followed a Video Demonstration + Instructor Explanation + Hands-on Practice model. To provide personalized support, BCTB dispatched four young teacher volunteers and six student volunteers to offer face-to-face guidance. Participants were encouraged to set their own learning goals based on the difficulty level, and many expressed their excitement as they successfully mastered new skills like online shopping and using AI assistants. During breaks, the participating enterprise provided gifts to the attendees. After the training, volunteers established a learning and exchange group to share short instructional videos and provide ongoing support for any future technical questions.
This University-Government-Enterprise public welfare model effectively helps seniors master high-frequency smart applications needed for daily life, such as mobile payments, online shopping, and ticket booking. By helping them overcome the fear and unfamiliarity of smart technology, the training enables seniors to enjoy the convenience of digital living and ensures they are not left behind in the digital age. This initiative promotes the shared benefits of technological progress and fosters a more inclusive and harmonious society. The event was also featured in reports by the Bengbu Daily.
