The DigitalScouts International Multiplier Event will take place on April 1, 2025, organised alongside the PAAR-net Training School on Participatory Co-Creation Methods at Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania. This collaborative event not only showcases the outputs of the DigitalScouts project but also emphasises participatory approaches as a foundation for fostering inclusive digital literacy among older adults.
The DigitalScouts session will focus on the methodology of participatory co-creation and explore how it has influenced the design, development, and technical implementation of the digital educational offer aimed to qualify “digital scouts” to support older people in the use of digital tools. Emphasis will be placed on how the digital training is being tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of both trainers and learners.
The PAAR-net Training School, running from March 31 to April 2, 2025, will deliver intensive training on participatory co-creation methods. Participants will gain hands-on experience, learn from international experts, and connect with peers passionate about social innovation and inclusive ageing societies.
Designed for PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, young innovators, and policymakers, the Training School aims to empower participants with participatory methods to engage older adults effectively in research, projects, and policy development. This is a valuable opportunity to explore under-researched areas in informal caregiving and the needs of adults requiring care.
Financial support is available for eligible participants to cover travel, accommodation, and related expenses. Applications are open until January 15, 2025. Further details can be found on the PAAR-net website: https://paar-net.eu
PAAR-Net is an EU-funded COST Action (CA22167: Participatory Approaches with Older Adults) focused on reshaping how older adults are involved in scientific research, policymaking, and practice. By fostering inclusive social innovation, PAAR-Net harnesses the knowledge and experiences of older adults, particularly those at risk of social exclusion, to address the complex challenges of ageing societies. The network brings together academics, young and older innovators, and experts from across Europe and beyond.1