--- title: "Chișinău seniors learn to stay safe online " url: https://moldova1.md/p/89255/chisinau-seniors-learn-to-stay-safe-online published: 2026-11-03T07:02:00Z language: en author: "Gabriela Melnic" section: "Social" source: moldova1.md --- # Chișinău seniors learn to stay safe online > More than 70 people have registered for a digital skills programme in Chișinău that teaches residents over 65 to use smartphones, online services and social media safely. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/018adc03-f4d1-4f1c-84a7-17ed4fcd8cba.jpg) More than 70 people have registered for a digital skills programme in Chișinău that teaches residents over 65 to use smartphones, online services and social media safely. **Four groups receive hands-on digital training** The Connected Grandparents Club is designed to help older adults use technology with greater confidence and independence. Participants receive step-by-step guidance from trainers and volunteers on using mobile devices and various applications. Organisers said more than 70 people had registered within a short period, prompting them to set up waiting lists. “We are not just teaching them how to use a phone. We want them to stay connected, be safer and, most importantly, become more independent online,” said Alex Zlotea, a representative of a mobile network operator in Moldova, during the Bună Dimineața programme on Moldova 1. Olga Gordilă-Bobeico, director of the Foundation for Development, said four groups of 10 to 12 participants had been formed. The face-to-face sessions take place at a digital education centre in the capital. Classes run from Monday to Thursday, with three hours of training each day, giving each participant approximately 12 hours of instruction. The teaching approach combines theoretical explanations with practical exercises. Trainers adapt their methods to older learners, allowing participants enough time to understand and practise each skill. “We want to address these needs. Together with our fellow trainers, we bring patience, empathy and an understanding of how adults learn, through an experiential approach,” Olga Gordilă-Bobeico said. **Online safety and fraud prevention take priority** A major part of the programme focuses on online security. Participants learn to distinguish legitimate links from those leading to fraudulent websites, navigate social media more safely and use their own devices so they can practise independently after completing the courses. They are also taught to recognise suspicious messages, avoid clicking on links sent by unknown contacts and verify the authenticity of communications before responding. Organisers hope to extend the initiative to other regions of the country, as interest in the programme has also come from people outside the capital. ![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/31a8c2ed-52ad-42bd-a3f1-76e8a7f98b9e.jpg) **Participants learn to recognise suspicious messages** Elena Gîdilica, a programme participant and vice-president of the Union of Pensioners of the Republic of Moldova, said the training offered practical knowledge that many older people needed. “This is why the course is in such high demand. We want to learn more about using phones and applications. It is important to understand whether a message is genuine or fake, which calls we should answer and which ones we should avoid,” she said. Some participants felt apprehensive during the first training sessions, but overcame their initial hesitation with encouragement and support from the trainers, Gîdilica added. Among the first recommendations was to protect mobile phones with passwords and lock devices whenever they are not in use. Participants were also advised not to open links from unknown senders, to check whether messages are genuine and never to share personal or sensitive information with strangers. People interested in joining the Connected Grandparents Club can contact the Foundation for Development for information about registration. Organisers hope to continue the programme next year, citing the strong demand for digital skills training among older adults. Translation by **Iurie Tataru** [Video: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/cbf55752-7c0a-4fae-9464-ecc971e341ca.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/11/2/BDclubulbunicilorconectai.mp4/playlist.m3u8) **RELATED COVERAGE** * [96 seniors start studies at the University of the Third Age](https://www.moldova1.md/p/86811/) * [Moldova launches free digital skills courses for seniors](https://www.moldova1.md/p/15990/moldova-launches-free-digital-skills-courses-for-seniors) * [Active Ageing: Moldova Gives Seniors a New Start](https://www.moldova1.md/p/25774/active-ageing-moldova-gives-seniors-a-new-start) * [Fălești launches university of the Third Age for seniors](https://moldova1.md/p/52867) * [Data leaks could enable manipulation, but not direct account theft](https://moldova1.md/p/88850)