Building digital skills at CPIA Rozzano, bit by bit
In Rozzano, northern Italy, at the CPIA (Provincial Center for Adult Education), a group of passionate volunteers in our Digital Unify program support a weekly Introduction to Computer Basics course. The objective is clear: help people acquire essential digital skills and reduce barriers to technology use.
The course takes place in a practical setting, where participants from different backgrounds and age groups learn how to use a computer step by step. Some are young newcomers preparing to enter the job market while improving their Italian; others are retirees who want to build confidence with digital tools. For many, the PC begins as an unfamiliar object and quickly becomes a useful tool for everyday life.
The project is coordinated by Claudia Angelini, ST Foundation’s Country Manager in Italy, who defines the direction and next objectives of Digital Unify in the country. On site, Mauro Zappa manages the activity and trains the volunteer teachers, ensuring consistency, quality in delivery and strong team spirit throughout the program.
The strength of the initiative lies in the contribution of each volunteer, who alternates between teaching and tutoring roles, offering not only basic digital skills but also practical advice, encouragement, and personalized support. “In the modules dedicated to PowerPoint and Excel, the need for close, hands-on guidance becomes even more evident,” says Francesca Navilli, one of the main volunteers.
“In these sessions, my role as a PowerPoint tutor and Excel teacher blends naturally with the work of Mauro Zappa, Massimiliano Ginasi, and Alberto Rosti, whose support remains invaluable even after retirement. We sit next to the learners, guide them step by step on their laptops, and slowly transform their fear of making mistakes into the joy of
The same commitment continues in the other modules, led by Laura Bonini, Marco Travi, Martina Colombo, Federica Zanderigo, Laura Sacrari, Mariapia Ferrara, Sergio Pernici, and Virginia Tremolada. Through patience, professionalism, and genuine care, they ensure that every participant feels supported and free to progress at their own pace.
This initiative is not only about teaching computer basics or internet navigation. It is about restoring confidence, creating human connections, and opening new doors—proving that learning has no age and that technology, when shared with commitment and heart, can become a powerful bridge to inclusion.