With an age range from mid 20's to mid 70's there was a terrific sense of achievement by all the recipient of certificates presented by Deputy Mayor of Fingal County County, Councillor Peggy Hamill at Blanchardstown Library recently. The occasion was the successful completion of Age Action Ireland's, Blanchardstown and Swords 'Getting Started' Computer Training Programmes. Getting Started is an eight week computer training programme which aims to open up the world of information technology to senior citizens who have little or no previous experience in this sphere.
In the current phase of the programme which has just concluded; more than 200 people were trained in Dublin, Galway and Monaghan. The programme is funded by the Department of An Taoiseach and has received renewed funding which will enable Age Action Ireland to build upon the success of the programme so as to increase the number of older people trained.
Two IBM On Demand Community volunteers, Alan Mulvihill and Julius Mensing participated in the programme as class trainers in Blanchardstown library, saying the experience was mutually beneficial to the trainers and trainees involved. Julius Mensing noted, ‘’It was a great experience and I was happy to play a role in helping to open up the world of computers to a new audience.’’
A key element in the success of the training was helping the trainees to get comfortable and confident of their own ability to navigate their way around basic computer technology. The majority of trainees had no experience of using computers at all prior to the course. Alan Mulvihill commented ‘’The mentoring aspect of the class was just as important as teaching the basic computer skills. Once the trainees became comfortable with their ability to learn there was no stopping them!’’
One of the senior citizens who participated in the programme told the story of how at 76 it was his first time using a computer. He shared the feeling of how proud of himself he was when he managed to send a photo of his new grand daughter over the web so that it was displayed for his wife to see coming through arrivals, returning from holiday. Quite an achievement!
Suzanne Sheridan, has recently started as a trainer in the program at Dunboyne public library. ‘’I’m delighted to be involved in the ‘Getting Started’ programme. The trainees are very enthusiastic and I am finding it a very rewarding experience.’’
The ultimate aim of Age Action Ireland is to make the project fully national so that older people throughout the country will all have access to free basic computer training in their local communities. If you would like to find out more about this programme or any other On Demand Community volunteering opportunity contact Deirdre Kennedy, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs manager.