The Ateneo Laboratory for the Learning Sciences (ALLS) hosted a talk entitled “When Digital Innovation Meets Care: Lessons from a Large Danish NGO,” delivered by Pedro Ferreira on April 8, 2026 at Faura Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.
Dr. Ferreira, an Associate Professor at the IT University of Copenhagen, shared findings from his study on how digitalization affects older adults working in a Danish NGO. He explained that while digital tools are meant to make work more efficient and modernized, they can also create challenges for older volunteers. Many of these individuals joined to help their communities, but the shift to digital systems requires them to do more technical and administrative tasks, causing some to feel left behind.
In line with this, the discussion highlighted that digital transformation is not always ideal, as it can unintentionally exclude people whose strengths are in community-based and relational work. It also creates new challenges within organizations, such as shifting responsibilities among volunteers.
In relating these insights to the Philippines, Dr. Ferreira noted that care systems are deeply rooted in family and community networks. He emphasized that introducing digital solutions without considering these relationships may disrupt existing support systems, highlighting the need to design technologies that fit local contexts.
Dr. Ferreira shares his findings on tensions arising from digitalization.
