A gala tribute to a role model in digital transformation through RETOMadrID
A tribute to Villamanrique del Tajo, a small town that has marked a turning point for RETOMadrID
Figure 1. “Certificate awarded to the village of Villamanrique del Tajo”
Introduction
On Tuesday 18 November, we held a tribute to Villamanrique del Tajo, a pioneering town and a key player in RETOMadrID, an initiative promoted by the Community of Madrid and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. The initiative consists of a Basic Digital Literacy Course – in other words, a beginner’s course on how to use a computer.
Figure 2. Participants at the event
What is RETOMadrID?
One of the aims of this ambitious initiative has been to improve digital literacy and bridge the digital divide in rural communities.
This project involves the roll-out of Digital Inclusion Points (DIPs) across all centres (libraries, care homes, day centres and senior citizens’ centres, community centres, etc.); these DIPs consist of a laptop, complete with a mouse and USB port, and a tablet with headphones. Participants visit the centre and use the tablet to learn how to use the computer through a series of video tutorials. On the laptop, they carry out practical exercises (ranging from how to use the mouse and keyboard to searching the internet or booking a healthcare appointment). This innovative methodology is called TechPeopleCare (TPC); it focuses on teaching participants with attention and care, encouraging learners to progress towards independence, overcoming their fear of using a computer and learning at their own pace. To address and resolve minor queries and difficulties, there is the role of the facilitator, a member of staff from the centre where the PIDs are installed. The facilitator’s work and collaboration are key, as they encourage more students to sign up, make the learning process more enjoyable and fun… and ultimately ensure that digital literacy reaches every corner of the Community of Madrid.
The results of RETOMadrID and the TechPeopleCare (TPC) methodology have been very positive. The initiative has had a significant geographical reach: over 122 local authorities have actively collaborated, and more than 180 transformative centres are participating or have participated in the initiative. Around 900 participants have been trained! And over 1,800 people have registered.
The big results of Villamanrique
This small municipality in the Las Vegas region of the Community of Madrid, with a population of just 825 (2024), has made its mark, thanks to the outstanding involvement of the people of Villamanrique. And above all, thanks to one key figure: the facilitator, Javier Morales. The achievements in Villamanrique del Tajo are largely down to his commitment, collaboration and people skills.
The average number of course completions per centre is around 10, and Villamanrique has doubled that figure with 21 participants. A similar trend has been seen in the course completion rate: Villamanrique has achieved a 100% completion rate, whereas the project-wide average per centre is 48.5%. This suggests that digital literacy in Villamanrique is here to stay.
Photo 3 (from left to right): Julio Mariño (UPM), Javier Morales (facilitator), Alejandro Ortiz (UPM), Susana Muñoz (UPM), Antonia Ayuso (Mayor), Ana Isabel Vacas and Ana Chacón (Community of Madrid)
Some distinguished guests
The official ceremony to pay tribute and present diplomas took place at the Villamanrique del Tajo Day Centre and was attended by the following guests:
A delegation from Tajo Town Council, comprising the mayor, Antonia Ayuso, and councillors Inmaculada Fernández and Raquel González, as well as Javier Morales (the centre’s facilitator).
The RETOMadrID team, comprising academic representatives Susana Muñoz (Principal Investigator of the project) and Julio Mariño (Director of the BABEL research group), and the project’s local coordinator, Alejandro Ortiz.
Team from the Community of Madrid. Ana Isabel Vacas de Águeda (Head of the Strategic Coordination Division) and Ana Chacón (Officer).
The course of the event
The event was introduced by members of the RETOMadrID team (specifically Susana Muñoz and Alejandro Ortiz, representing the UPM, and Ana Isabel Vacas, representing the Community of Madrid) and, as a local authority representative, Ms Antonia Ayuso, Mayor of Villamanrique del Tajo.
In her presentation, Susana Muñoz thanked the entire RETOMadrID team for their work, as well as the European Union and the Community of Madrid for their collaboration and institutional support. She explained how the TechPeopleCare methodology came about and the importance of the work carried out by facilitators in the ‘transforming villages’, in her own words:
Figure 4 (from left to right): Javier (facilitator) and Alejandro (local coordinator)
“There’s something we’ve realised is key to making RETOMadrID work well: the facilitators are the key.” At this point, one participant shouted, “Long live Javier!” and the audience burst into spontaneous applause. This sense of connection between the participants and the facilitator is another of RETOMadrID’s positive outcomes. It promotes a training activity that allows all residents to get to know one another better whilst they are learning. Finally, Susana concluded the presentation by thanking Javier (the facilitator), the Community of Madrid and all the participants.
Figure 5 (from left to right): Susana (UPM), Pedro (participant) and Ana Isabel (CM)
Figure 6 (from left to right): Susana and Manolo, known as ‘Pin’, the oldest participant from Villamanrique del Tajo
This was followed by the presentation of the 21 diplomas. Both Susana Muñoz and Ana Isabel did their utmost to present the diplomas without shedding a tear, thanks to the joy radiating from the participants and the gestures and words of gratitude exchanged between them. It was undoubtedly one of the most moving moments of the tribute and the diploma presentation.
After presenting the final diploma, Villamanrique Town Council surprised all those present with a gift for the authorities of the Community of Madrid and the academic representatives of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Both Ana Isabel Vacas and Susana Muñoz accepted the gift from Antonia Ayuso and expressed their gratitude for the gesture on behalf of the municipal institution.
Figure 7 (from left to right): Susana (UPM), Antonia (Mayor), María de los Ángeles (participant) and Ana Isabel (CM)
Finally, the Villamanrique del Tajo Town Council, in a fine display of hospitality, invited the attendees to a reception following the presentation of the certificates. This led to relaxed conversations accompanied by fine cheese and cured meats from the Las Vegas region.
Photos 8 and 9. Susana Muñoz and Julio Mariño (UPM) receiving a gift from Villamanrique del Tajo Town Council; on the right, Ana Isabel Vacas (CM) receiving a gift from Villamanrique del Tajo Town Council.
For further information:
Alex Ortiz / a.ogutierrez@upm.es/679155696
