The heartwarming initiative that connects school kids and seniors to empower them with new technological skills
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In today's modern age, it can be challenging for many to keep up with new technologies and remain digitally literate.
This 'technological gap' can lead to digital exclusion among seniors, limiting their ability to connect with loved ones online and access key services.
However, an inspiring intergenerational learning initiative is helping bridge that gap.
For retired teacher Helen Macris (68), who last used a computer over a decade ago, this new initiative from Kogarah Community Services (KCS) has been life-changing.
'Since then, I have really done very, very little with them, and I've pretty much forgotten anything I knew before,' Helen shared.
Since 2020, the group has run an intergenerational digital literacy program matching seniors with local school students, who teach them technology lessons.
'We are talking to our families online…we're emailing, we are not [physically] going to the bank anymore, that's online,' KCS acting CEO Marisa Turcinskis said.
The initiative was recently highlighted by the Good Things Foundation, a digital charity, for Australia's national annual campaign called Get Online Week.
According to the foundation’s research, one in four people confessed to feeling 'digitally excluded,' which points to a wide gap in internet knowledge.
'So that means they don't have the skills and confidence, or the technology that they need,' Good Things Foundation CEO Jess Wilson said.
'Or they can't maybe afford to pay for the internet.'
'In fact, our recent research says that 63 per cent of Australians don't feel that confident in keeping up with technology today.'
In an interview, Helen was asked: 'Did you feel disenfranchised when you didn't have that knowledge?'
To which Helen replied: 'Definitely. Online banking—that's something new that I've done.'
Dawn Petersen, Helen’s classmate shared: 'They're helping me use all the apps on the phone, and to get more benefit out of using the phone.'
The school also gives seniors who may feel isolated or lonely to become involved in their community again.
'There is learning for the seniors as well, absolutely, but it's also about building that connection,' KCS acting CEO Turcinskis added.
You can watch the full report below:
Source: Youtube/9 News Australia.
Members, what are your thoughts on this? Would you attend a similar initiative too? Let us know in the comments below!
This 'technological gap' can lead to digital exclusion among seniors, limiting their ability to connect with loved ones online and access key services.
However, an inspiring intergenerational learning initiative is helping bridge that gap.
For retired teacher Helen Macris (68), who last used a computer over a decade ago, this new initiative from Kogarah Community Services (KCS) has been life-changing.
'Since then, I have really done very, very little with them, and I've pretty much forgotten anything I knew before,' Helen shared.
Kogarah Community Services runs an intergenerational digital literacy program that connects seniors to local students. Image source: artursafronovvvv on Freepik.
Since 2020, the group has run an intergenerational digital literacy program matching seniors with local school students, who teach them technology lessons.
'We are talking to our families online…we're emailing, we are not [physically] going to the bank anymore, that's online,' KCS acting CEO Marisa Turcinskis said.
The initiative was recently highlighted by the Good Things Foundation, a digital charity, for Australia's national annual campaign called Get Online Week.
According to the foundation’s research, one in four people confessed to feeling 'digitally excluded,' which points to a wide gap in internet knowledge.
'So that means they don't have the skills and confidence, or the technology that they need,' Good Things Foundation CEO Jess Wilson said.
'Or they can't maybe afford to pay for the internet.'
'In fact, our recent research says that 63 per cent of Australians don't feel that confident in keeping up with technology today.'
In an interview, Helen was asked: 'Did you feel disenfranchised when you didn't have that knowledge?'
To which Helen replied: 'Definitely. Online banking—that's something new that I've done.'
Dawn Petersen, Helen’s classmate shared: 'They're helping me use all the apps on the phone, and to get more benefit out of using the phone.'
The school also gives seniors who may feel isolated or lonely to become involved in their community again.
'There is learning for the seniors as well, absolutely, but it's also about building that connection,' KCS acting CEO Turcinskis added.
You can watch the full report below:
Source: Youtube/9 News Australia.
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