24 March 2026
Teaching Digital Literacy – A local volunteering project
In Leganés: coordinated by Florina Almenares (Director of the master’s degree in Cybersecurity).
In Colmenarejo: coordinated by Alfonso Sánchez-Macián (Associate Professor in the field of telematic engineering).
Volunteering in Colmenarejo: An opportunity to develop new skills and solve local challenges
Alongside Juan Ramón Irurzun, Councillor for Senior Citizens at Colmenarejo town hall, Alfonso Sánchez-Macián is currently running the second edition of the “Digital Literacy-Colmenarejo” volunteering programme, a joint project between Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and the municipality of Colmenarejo, located in Northern Madrid.
This initiative brings technology to people and strengthens the link between the smallest of our four campuses and its local community.
First edition: A success focused on the elderly 📘
Here, the volunteering activity started in September 2024: “our collaboration allows students to accompany and train seniors in the use of essential digital tools: from basic digital skills to obtaining Digital Certificates and managing online procedures”, describes Alfonso.
The results speak for themselves:
- 100% satisfaction among participants.
- Activities tailored to the real needs of the elderly community.
- 6 students were involved, all earned their Civic Star certificate 💫
Thanks to this project, “we are reducing the digital gap as well as promoting the autonomy and active participation of senior citizens, while students have a real opportunity to develop both soft and professional skills that will be valuable in their future career”. 👩🏫👨💻
Second edition in 2025-2026
In this new phase, everyone remains committed to bringing digital tools to the public, maintaining our focus on inclusion and positive social impact. This year, 5 students are actively engaged!
“Digital Literacy”: a project born in 2023 in Leganés
Before Colmenarejo, the very first iteration of this volunteering activity was initially co-created with the city council of Leganés (where another UC3M campus is located) in January 2023.
In this municipality, activities have a different scope, providing a broader range of citizens with personalised assistance, counselling and workshops.
Within the last three years, 26 students participated in the “Digital Literacy-Leganés” project, with 16 volunteers earning their Civic Star certificate.
Reflecting on her experience, one of them declares: “This was truly enriching. Seeing how the women who asked for help became more confident was very rewarding. They are an example of tenacity, considering their backgrounds. It has been a real ‘cure of humility’. I would also like to point out that the city council workers were always very attentive, incredibly friendly and positive”.
Both initiatives, now open to staff participation, are part of the Civic Engagement Activities of the European YUFE Alliance. 🌍
Willing to know more about this project?
Reach out to [email protected] (Unidad de Cooperación y Desarrollo Sostenible – Vicerrectorado de Relaciones Institucionales, Igualdad, Cooperación y Desarrollo Sostenible).
