Building generational bridges in digital access and inclusivity

In the municipality of Settimo Milanese, Cooperativa Sociale Stripes (Stripes) is fostering multigenerational access to digitization through a new project called Connect the .DOTS, in collaboration with Microsoft.

A social enterprise active since 1989, Stripes brings together public and private entities to support over 60 socioeducational, community welfare, and lifelong learning services. Its Connect the .DOTS program encourages digital capability and inclusivity to reduce the digital knowledge divide and help equip the community with essentials needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

Toward this goal, the program offers learning opportunities for three primary groups:

• Early childhood (ages 0–6) and their families can discover the relationship between nature and digital tools with eco-digital laboratories and explore coding and robotics through digital storytelling.
• Youth (ages 6–18) can participate in coding and robotics workshops, AI laboratory experiences, and training courses in digital work-related skills.
• Adults over 65 can build digital literacy in computer and AI usage, strengthen cognitive skills like memory and logic through digital tools, and develop intentional smartphone usage for well-being.

“The digital divide in our country is an extremely topical issue that has alarmed us for some time. Technological education can really make a difference for a more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable future for everyone, and we are very proud of the collaboration with the Municipality of Settimo Milanese and Microsoft,” said Dafne Guida, President of Stripes.

With this new program, Stripes and Microsoft work to increase accessibility to digital knowledge and training, supporting the Settimo Milanese community for the future.