The project aimed to improve the media literacy of older adults through journalism and digital skills enhancement, contributing in the long term to social participation, safer online behaviour and the reduction of the digital divide between generations. The specific objectives were: - to assess the learning needs of seniors in media education - define the role and competences of the Media educator for adults aged 55+ - develop a methodology combining media literacy, journalism, critical thinking and digital skills - create training materials for media educators and adult education centres - develop a curriculum and Learning platform for older learners - foster older adults’ self-efficacy as active users and creators of media and digital content, not only passive consumers
The BonJour! project was developed in response to the growing need to strengthen media literacy, digital awareness and critical understanding of information among adults aged 55+. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the spread of misinformation, propaganda, online manipulation and unsafe digital practices became even more visible. Older adults are often exposed to unreliable information online and may be at greater risk of sharing misleading content or becoming victims of digital fraud. The project addressed the need of media literacy to go beyond basic digital skills, it should be based on journalism competences and knowledge. Senior learners needed practical support to recognise reliable information, understand how media and journalism work, identify manipulation and participate more safely in digital society. BonJour! aimed to help older adults become active users and creators of media content, not only passive consumers of information. The project also addressed the lack of a defined figure able to support older adults in this field: the Media Eeucator for adults 55+.