Like most of the world, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in the use of digital services in recent years. While this shift has streamlined operations and improved efficiency in many sectors, it has also highlighted a growing digital literacy gap between older and younger generations. Many older adults in remote areas lack access to digital education and resources, limiting their ability to engage with essential services and participate in the digital economy. The challenge is to find an effective way to bridge this gap, improve digital literacy among older generations and ensure they are not left behind in a rapidly evolving digital society.
STC Group launched the Smart Truck initiative in January 2023. This digital classroom on wheels is equipped with advanced ICT tools and resources, travelling across the Kingdom to target remote areas and deliver digital education directly to those in need. The Smart Truck offers awareness sessions for six key government applications, including health apps, helping attendees navigate these platforms and complete online tasks. The programme also educates participants on potential risks in the digital world and equips them with the knowledge to mitigate these.
The Smart Truck, delivered in two phases, covered the central and northern regions of Saudi Arabia. In total, it benefited more than 4,150 adults, providing them with essential digital literacy skills. Some 1,210 awareness sessions were conducted by 75 trainers and 44 STC Group volunteers. The Smart Truck travelled 7,050 kilometres across 18 governorates, offering more than 688 hours of training. In addition, more than 1,260 products, including mobile phones, were distributed as gifts to drive connectivity and enrich the lives of attendees.
The initiative has improved digital literacy among older populations, enabling them to better access essential services and participate more fully in society. The project addresses the digital literacy gap but also fosters a sense of community and empowers individuals to navigate the digital world safely.
