Di@ pilots meet the Digital Minister

During the citizens' tour of Digital Minister Dr. Kristina Sinemus on Saturday, 22 March 2025, the Offenbach Di@-Lotsen had the opportunity to present their work to the Digital Minister and interested citizens. The market square was well attended in spring-like temperatures. The presenter Willi Weitzel, known from "Willi wills wissen", interviewed the Di@ pilots. In the interview, the Di@ pilots talked about the project, challenges and the sense of achievement that makes working as a Di@ pilot so special. They also pointed out that they are still looking for more volunteers for the project.

The Di@ pilots are volunteers who have been trained by the "Digital in old age" program and assist senior citizens with all questions and problems relating to modern technology. Since January 2023, the Di@-Lotsen consultation hour has been held every first and third Tuesday of the month in the Christine-Kempf-Haus senior citizens' meeting place. At the Emil-Renk-Haus senior citizens' meeting place, senior citizens receive advice every third Thursday of the month. Whether cell phone, laptop or tablet, the Di@-Lotsen find solutions to all open questions from Offenbach's senior citizens during the free consultation hours.

There are now five Di@-Lotsen at the Bürgler Seniorentreff and one Di@-Lotse at the Emil-Renk-Haus Seniorentreff. The great commitment of the volunteer guides is reflected in the positive feedback from the senior citizens. Dieter Dänner, one of the Di@ pilots and a member of the Offenbach Seniors' Council, reports that the service is very well received. The topics of the consultations are very individual. Some people have brief questions about how to use WhatsApp to stay in touch with their grandchildren, others want to switch to online banking or need to apply for something online. Time is taken for every question during the consultation. This individual advice provides senior citizens with support and encouragement as digitalization progresses.

Martin Wilhelm, Head of Social Affairs, also appreciates this and emphasizes the importance of the project: "With the Di@-Lotsen project, we have an offer that helps Offenbach's senior citizens to acquire digital skills and thus ensure their participation in social life. Digitalization now affects all areas of life, which is why it is so important that senior citizens are also taken along on this journey."

If you are interested in becoming a Di@ pilot yourself or need support, please contact Susan Kazda (coordination of open senior citizen work, susan.kazdaoffenbachde or come to the Di@ pilots' consultation hours at the Christine-Kempf-Haus in Bürgel on the first and third Tuesday of every month.