Article by Roxana Dragoi
Job Shadowing Experience at Both Online in Deventer – 2025
During my recent job-shadowing experience in July 2025 at Both Online in Deventer, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a wide variety of activities that focused on inclusion, community building, and intergenerational exchange. The program gave me valuable insights into how digital tools, social programs, and educational initiatives can strengthen participation and create meaningful connections among different groups in society.
One of the key aspects of my experience was my involvement in inclusion activities. I observed and participated in methods that aimed to reduce barriers for people from diverse backgrounds. These included small-group workshops where participants could share their personal stories, digital literacy sessions that empowered individuals to use online resources, and collaborative games designed to foster teamwork and empathy. These methods encouraged participants not only to feel heard, but also to become active contributors within their communities.
I also had the chance to work closely with adults and seniors. Many of the activities were designed to bridge the generational gap, creating spaces where older adults could learn new digital skills, while also sharing their wisdom and life experiences with younger participants. It was inspiring to see how technology—when introduced with patience and accessibility in mind—can become a powerful tool for inclusion rather than a barrier.
Another highlight of my mobility was discovering the programs of the University in Deventer.
These programs are strongly connected to the local community, focusing on applied knowledge and social engagement. The university encourages partnerships with organizations like Both Online to create opportunities where students, staff, and citizens can learn together. This approach reflects a broader vision of education—one that goes beyond classrooms and actively supports social innovation.
Among the inclusion methods I experienced, several stood out:
• Participatory learning: Encouraging everyone to share experiences equally, regardless of age or background.
• Digital empowerment: Teaching basic and advanced online skills to help participants navigate modern tools with confidence.
• Co-creation workshops: Designing activities with input from participants, ensuring their needs and interests shape the process.
• Intergenerational dialogue: Creating safe spaces for exchange between young people and seniors, reducing stereotypes and building mutual respect.
This job shadowing experience in Deventer has been both professionally enriching and personally meaningful. It has shown me how inclusion is not just a concept, but a practice—one that requires empathy, creativity, and collaboration. I left with new ideas, stronger intercultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of how community-based initiatives can contribute to a more inclusive society.
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