Youngster.co are passionate individuals working hard to bring tech-savvy youngsters and experienced older people together.
Hear from Tony Rothacker, Co-Founder and CEO and a qualified civil engineer.
What inspired you to start your social enterprise, and what specific social or environmental issue are you addressing?
The genesis of Youngster.co was a multifaceted realisation: on one side, the profound isolation experienced by seniors, distanced from the rapid digital evolution; on the other, a generation of youngsters proficient in digital navigation yet often lacking essential life skills. This dichotomy highlighted a broader societal issue—the widening digital divide and its role in exacerbating loneliness amongst the elderly, whilst simultaneously revealing an underutilised reservoir of knowledge and experience within this demographic.
Our vision for Youngster.co emerged as a solution to these interconnected challenges. We saw an untapped opportunity to not only bridge the digital divide but to also address the isolation felt by both seniors and youngsters. By fostering a platform for intergenerational exchange, we aimed to create a space where seniors could share their rich life experiences and wisdom, thus overcoming their digital hesitancy. Simultaneously, this setup offered youngsters a unique ‘on-the-job’ learning environment, where they could gain invaluable life skills directly from their elders—skills not typically acquired through traditional education or digital consumption.
This reciprocal exchange goes beyond mere tech tutorials; it’s about nurturing a community where seniors feel valued and connected, and where youngsters can develop a deeper sense of empathy, patience, and understanding. Through Youngster.co, we’re not just demystifying technology for seniors but also cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging across generations, transforming isolation into inclusivity and bridging the digital divide with bonds of mutual respect and learning.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building/scaling your social enterprise, and how have you overcome them?
Building and scaling Youngster.co posed a complex challenge. Initially, engaging both demographics and building trust in our mission was a significant hurdle. Seniors were sceptical about the effectiveness and safety of the sessions, while youngsters needed encouragement to see the value in their contribution.
Securing funding and finding the right partners who shared our vision presented another considerable challenge. To overcome these obstacles, we concentrated on creating successful pilot programmes that demonstrated real value and impact. We utilised these success stories to build credibility and trust within our community. Additionally, we established strong relationships with shopping centres and organisations that aligned with our social mission, aiding us in scaling and expanding our reach.
Ensuring the financial viability of Youngster.co was crucial to our strategy for building and scaling the enterprise. To address this, we adopted a multi-faceted approach that balanced our social objectives with economic sustainability. We introduced a model that leveraged funding from diverse sources, including partnerships, and sponsorships from entities aligned with our mission. This not only provided us with the necessary capital to operate but also validated our social impact in the eyes of potential funders.
By prioritising financial viability alongside our social goals, we have positioned Youngster.co to not only make a lasting impact on the communities we serve but also to ensure the longevity and scalability of our enterprise. This balanced approach ensures that we can continue to bridge the digital divide and address the isolation experienced by seniors and youngsters alike, far into the future.
Ensuring the financial viability of Youngster.co was crucial to our strategy for building and scaling the enterprise.
– Tony Rothacker.
How do you measure and assess the impact of your social enterprise, and what outcomes are you most proud of achieving so far?
At Youngster.co, impact assessment is integral to our operation. We use a mix of qualitative and quantitative metrics to gauge our success. Feedback after each session, measuring engagement rates, and the number of sessions conducted provide data on our reach and effectiveness. More importantly, personal stories and testimonials from both seniors and youngsters give us profound insights into the deeper impact of our sessions – be it through newfound confidence in using technology, or the unexpected friendships formed.
One of our proudest achievements has been the noticeable increase in digital literacy among our senior participants, evidenced not just by their ability to use technology, but also by their enthusiasm to explore new digital avenues independently. Seeing youngsters develop patience, teaching skills, and a deeper appreciation and empathy for the older generation’s perspective has been equally rewarding.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future of your business?
Looking forward, Youngster.co is set to expand its reach to regional Australia, particularly Queensland, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in these communities. Our goal is to become the trusted guide for online safety, not only bridging the digital divide but also enhancing awareness and understanding of digital security among seniors and youngsters.
Youngster.co’s mission in these expansions is twofold: to continue to reduce isolation and enhance digital literacy among seniors, and to empower youngsters with the skills and experience needed for successful, meaningful careers. This dual approach positions Youngster.co as a cornerstone in communities, facilitating not just intergenerational learning but also contributing to the broader development of more resilient communities.
What advice would you give aspiring impact entrepreneurs considering launching their own ventures to address social or environmental issues?
To those looking to launch their own ventures in the social or environmental space, my advice is threefold:
First, start with a clear and genuine passion for the issue you’re addressing. This passion will be your north star, guiding you through challenges and inspiring others to join your cause.
Second, be prepared to adapt. The path of social entrepreneurship is rarely straightforward. Listen, learn, and be willing to pivot your approach based on the feedback and results you gather.
Lastly, focus on building strong community and stakeholder relationships. The support and collaboration of those who share your vision can amplify your impact far beyond what you could achieve alone.
Embarking on this journey can be daunting, but the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of others makes it incredibly rewarding.
Stay focused on your mission, be patient, and let your passion for change be the driving force behind your venture.