Sometimes the most beautiful projects don't come from a carefully worked-out concept, but simply because someone needs help.

That is exactly how it all began for the Digital Café.

How it all started

An elderly lady contacted our neighbourhood management. The person who had looked after her computer until then had passed away, and she didn't know who to turn to.

The request ended up with the Förderverein Altenhilfe (a local association supporting elderly people) – and finally with me. Since I work in IT and regularly help family and friends with computer problems, I thought to myself: I can at least have a look.

A short while later I was sitting in her home. The supposedly big problem turned out to be a manageable mix of Windows updates, virus protection and a few things that needed to be brought up to date.

After about an hour everything was done – and her joy was great.

Shortly afterwards I was asked whether I would like to offer a computer course.

My answer was: No. At least not a classic course.

Because I was convinced that something else was needed: practical support with exactly the questions that come up in everyday life.

The idea was actually quite simple:

Bring your device. Bring your question. And then we'll look at it together.

That is how the Digital Café came about.

Today it's about much more than technology

In the meantime, we deal with all kinds of questions about smartphones, tablets, computers and the digital world.

For me, it's not about simply doing something for someone. The moment is much nicer when “I can't do that” at some point turns into “Wait, let me try it myself” .

Because ultimately it's about something much bigger than technology:

digital participation and a bit of independence.

And at some point a reference guide emerged

Over time, more and more topics came together. And of course everyone probably knows the moment: in the Digital Café everything was perfectly clear – and a few weeks later you're sitting at home asking yourself: How did that work again?

So I started writing down our topics in an understandable way.

This eventually led to the Digital Café reference guide, which now brings together the content of two years – as understandable and practical as possible and without unnecessary jargon.

Why it is my heart project

The Digital Café is run on a voluntary basis – and has become one of the things that are particularly close to my heart.

Not because of the computers, smartphones or apps.

But because of the people and those small moments when someone tries something out, trusts themselves to do something and then goes home a little bit more independent.

What began with a Windows update on an elderly lady's computer has, over the years, become something I wouldn't want to miss.

For me, digital participation doesn't start with technology.
It starts with someone taking the time to look at things together.