HELLENIC TELECOM ORGANIZATION S A : COSMOTE bringing older people closer to digital technologies

- "Acess to the Digital World": free lessons in for the use of digital Media

- Strategic COSMOTE investment for the elderly

- Research: Internet, Social Media & touch-screen technology facilitating the everyday life of the 50+

The "Access to the Digital World" program supported by COSMOTE and implemented by the NGO "50plus Greece" expands to two new educational centers in the Attica region, located in the Municipalities of Piraeus and Maroussi. The program aims at facilitating the everyday life of older generations and bring them closer to their loved ones, with the help of digital Media. Participants learn how to utilise touch-screen technology (Tablets), surf the Internet, as well as use Social Media and applications (e.g. maps, calendar). In that way, they can become better informed, and enabled to communicate and organize their daily activities better.

With regard to the Piraeus lessons, residents of the Perama Municipality are also welcome to attend. Respectively, the educational center at Maroussi will also be welcoming residents of the neighboring Municipalities of Lykovrysi-Pefki and Heraklio. At the same time, lessons continue at the educational centers of Agios Dimitrios -with the participation of residents from the neighboring Municipalities of Alimos, Argyroupoli-Elliniko and Dafni-Ymittos- and Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero, where residents from the Municipality of Nea Filadelfeia-Nea Chalkidona, Petroupolis may also partake. All lessons are free for local residents.

From the beginning of the program, 2,500 elderly people have gone "digital", while this year it is estimated that the number of participants will reach 5,000.

"The digital revolution we are experiencing today, changes everything around us. It changes the way we live, communicate and work. Everyone, regardless of their age, deserves to be able to use the new Media in order to evolve and interact with the world. Digital skills are a common good. That is why COSMOTE supports the "Access to the Digital World" program providing the elderly with the necessary tools for them to go 'digital'; to use the new technologies and become more active, thus improving their lives. Thirst for knowledge and communication goes beyond age", commented Mr. Kostas Nebis, the OTE Group Chief Commercial Officer Consumer Segment.

The "Access to the Digital World" program is part of the COSMOTE initiatives for sustainable growth.

Research: Digital Media are changing the lives of the elderly

According to a research study[1] conducted by "50plus Greece" on participants of the program:

· 88% believe that the Internet opens a new window to the world of knowledge and that access to it ensures equality and freedom.

· 86% claims that even more people would be using the Internet, if navigating it became easier.

· 73% feel that via the lessons they gained access to information and news.

· 67% that they can now communicate better with relatives and friends.

· 54% that they have the opportunity to participate more actively in public affairs.

Those interested to participate at the program may communicate with "50plus Greece" at the numbers: +30 211-7100203 and +30 6987-221156.