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SMILE CAFE - Digital/Transversal Skills for People 55+

An Erasmus+ project helping 55+ older adults gain essential digital and transversal skills to improve their well-being, confidence, and participation in today’s digital society..... Read More

1/9/20261 min read

SMILE CAFE is a European Commission-funded initiative (under the Erasmus+ programme) focused on digital inclusion and skills development for people aged 55 and over. It aims to help older adults—especially those who may be socially isolated—gain essential digital and transversal skills to improve their well-being, confidence, and participation in today’s digital society.

Key Goals of SMILE CAFE

Empower older adults (55+) with practical digital skills that help them navigate everyday technologies, online communication, and digital services.
Reduce social isolation by providing supportive and engaging learning experiences that strengthen digital confidence and social connections.
Upskill professionals who work with older learners so they can better support digital education tailored to the needs of an aging population.
Establish SMILE CAFE hubs — friendly, informal learning spaces (both in-person and online) with curated resources, community support, and opportunities to practice digital skills together.
The project aims to offer Inclusive learning environments where older adults can learn at their own pace in a welcoming “café-style” format. Training and materials for educators and trainers will be offered to address the challenges of teaching digital skills to older learners, as well as community and peer interaction, which can be especially valuable for those experiencing loneliness or social exclusion.

📅 Project Timeline: Duration: October 1, 2025 — November 30, 2027

Beneficiaries include older adults (55+) seeking to improve their digital skills and enhance social participation; Adult educators and community workers who support digital literacy and inclusion; community organizations interested in fostering digital inclusion for aging populations across Europe. SMILE CAFE is part of the EU’s broader efforts to close the digital divide, promote lifelong learning, and ensure all citizens have access to the basic digital skills needed for everyday life — aligning with wider European digital skills policies.