March 8, 2008

In the twilight years of every citizen, it's always a good idea to learn something new, to find new ways to occupy the mind.Maybe that something new turns out to be a better way of getting something done - just more efficiently.

Back in 2006, this must have been the thought of senior citizens in Spanish Town and its environs when they were given a 'golden' opportunity to become computer literate.

It was Monday, April 10, and 10 pioneering senior citizens began basic training in computer skills at the St Catherine Parish Library.

Doorway opened

Quite suddenly, the doorway for another career 'move' was opened, erasing that old adage 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks'.Now nearly two years, several graduations and the involvement of over 52 participants later, the programme is still fulfilling its mandate of teaching senior citizens, some of whom never dreamed of learning how to use a computer.

At 82, Esmeralda Dixon is one of the beneficiaries of the programme. She lives in De La Vega City, Spanish Town, and is happy she made the decision to attend the training course last year. "I like it and I appreciate it. Old time people sey 'wha nuh dead nuh throw it whey', for seet deh now, mi neva get dis opportunity inna mi young days and a way inna mi old days mi come use computer," she shared while beaming about her achievement.

According to Vernice Lynch, parish organiser for the National Council for Senior Citizens in St. Catherine, setting up the pro-gramme was a long and tedious process but she is quite pleased that it got off the ground. "Seniors need to be equipped because they are existing in society and whatever we can do to keep them abreast with what is happening, that is important. They feel a sense of worth to be able to work along with the young people. The programme is primarily for persons 60 and over," she said.

To participate, persons must be members of a senior citizens' club, either through a church or community civic group. Applicants who are selected are placed in groups of five, and meet one day per week at a nominal cost to the beneficiary.

Dixon registered through her church's New Life Senior Citizens Club. Her next move is to acquire a computer at home. Well, it's really thanks to her son who lives in the United States and is very pleased with his mother's new skill. "Him say mum, when yuh get dat computer now and yuh want to contact me, you can contact me by the same computer," she said with a smile.

Acting senior librarian at the St Catherine Parish Library network, Paulette Benjie, explained that this all came about after the former senior librarian Lorraine McLean saw a similar project implemented successfully at the St. Ann parish library. Computers were then sourced for the programme with funding provided by the CHASE Fund.

In the two-session per week/six-week training programme, seniors are taught to identify different parts of the computer, how to type a document using Microsoft Word, edit, format and print the document.

Developing confidence

Developing their confidence is also important as older persons can be easily intimidated by the computer, especially the use of the mouse. Participants are also instructed on how to set up an email address, send and receive mail and in some cases, how to surf the Internet, all the time giving them valuable hands-on experience.

"It's a skill they can use to generate income," boasts Lynch. In addition to emails to friends and family, the seniors are capitalising on the technology.

"Some make greeting, birthday, Christmas and anniversary cards and sell them," she said with pride. The impact on these seniors has been phenomenal and according to Miss Benjie, participation is greeted with enthusiasm.

"There is no problem in getting participants and when they come they are excited about using the computers. They feel a part of the technologies that are around now."

Most branch libraries in the St Catherine network also received computers through the CHASE Fund and some private sector partners.

The amount received was dependent on the size of the library; for example, Kitson Town has two, Point Hill has two, Waterford received three, and Old Harbour, four. Not every participant has a computer at home, however more and more persons are acquiring.

"They are now able to teach their grandchildren at home and in some cases, are helping other seniors to learn how to use the computer," Lynch said. "It's a link that goes beyond just learning."

Extending the programme

The success of the programme has led to its growth and expansion into other constituencies. Now St Thomas, Clarendon and Kingston are adopting the programme.

"It's something that all the parish libraries are looking into. We're now extending into Greater Portmore at the branch library and they'll be starting their training early in February of this year and eventually branching out to the other service points." Lynch said.

And, as the seniors continue to successfully 'boot-up', Dixon, the 82-year-old participant from De La Vega City, sums up the feeling for everyone: "I appreciate what dem do with the seniors. I feel real good about it."

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