Cross-Cultural Integration
Our main objective was to address the digital exclusion faced by our community members, particularly older adults and people from diverse backgrounds who usually lack literacy in digital skills. Simple tasks like booking online appointments, accessing online sewing patterns or using everyday digital tools are challenging for them.
To tackle this we aimed to provide accessible, friendly digital skills support in a setting that encouraged mutual learning and respect. This led to a unique intergenerational skills-sharing initiative. So we partnered with the University of Southampton and student volunteers provided basic digital training to our members and the students learned traditional Punjabi songs from our Punjabi singing group.
Impact
The involvement of student volunteers had a great positive effect on our group. With their help, our group members gained the confidence to take their first steps online. Their confidence is increased and they are getting independence in their daily digital tasks.
Especially music sessions, proved to be a powerful tool. They helped students to engage with the members of our Punjabi Community and learn about the culture while learning Punjabi songs. For many international students, this was their first experience contributing to a UK-based community initiative. It helped them gain deep understanding of other cultures and develop a sense of belonging.
With this collaboration we have also learned to plan our future intergenerational projects at Cross-Culture Hub.
Value of the Partnership
Our partnership with the University of Southampton was incredibly valuable. The students brought fresh energy to our group and we appreciate their willingness to learn and desire to know more about diverse cultures.
By taking part in our projects, students began to see themselves as valued contributors to the city's cultural life, while our members overcame challenges in using digital technologies.
This multigenerational exchange has helped bridge cultures and make the community stronger.
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Other Reflections
We are grateful to the University of Southampton and to the dedicated and passionate students we’ve had the pleasure of working with.
We also want to say special thanks to the Public Engagement with Research Unit (Harmonies of Home: A Community Song Bank Project) and the AI & Society PCE Hub for their generous support.
