Responding to global demands for individuals to become more computer literate in a technology driven world, 46 senior citizens are now well equipped to meet the challenge.
Following a year of intense computer studies, the group gathered for the 3rd annual "Senior Net" Certificate Awards Presentation at the Susan J. Wallace Community Centre yesterday to signify their successful completion of the course.
Christine Sands-Been, Centre Administrator, explained that the course, organized by the City of Freeport Council, covered basic concepts of information technology, using the computer, managing files and word processing.
"The morning sessions cater to the seniors, retirees and those who are unemployed," she said. "This is important for them because even at their age they have to keep up as the world changes."
She noted that the oldest participant of the course was 84 years old and was most determined to learn.
In an interview with The Freeport News Chief Councillor, Alvin Smith, said that this program is one that has shown tremendous growth over the years.
"This is the third year of the program and the participants are very excited about it." he said. " It was designed to teach and encourage persons who are young at heart to embrace and acknowledge technology and help them retool themselves to contribute within the community."
Smith said that as the world continues to rely heavily on technology, it is important for all age groups to become technologically aware of the changes.
"This type of class was designed for them to acquire those kinds of tools to keep up with what is going on and for them to make a positive contribution." Smith said.
"Technology has come to them and now that they have these skills they are re-energized by it and they are sending a positive message that no matter how mature you may become, life does not have to pass you by."
Retiree, Martha Williams said that she decided to join the course to give her something to do.
"My grandchildren would always try to show me things on the computer, but after this course I can do things for myself and have some independence."
Williams said that with her new skills she feels that she would be able to "do anything."
Another class participant, Dolly Swann said that the class has opened many doors of opportunity for her and she is grateful for a new skill.
"Before the class I had very limited use of the computer, but now you can't keep me off of it and I will hopefully be able to enhance my skills with this program."
Sands-Been said that there is already a waiting list of persons wishing to join the class in September, but the classes next year will be held every semester giving more persons an opportunity to join.
genea@nasguard.com
© 2009 The Freeport News
May 27, 2009
BAHAMAS: 46 Seniors now well equipped to meet the IT challenge
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FREEPORT, Bahamas / The Freeport News / Community News / May 27, 2009
By Genea Noel, Freeport News Reporter
Responding to global demands for individuals to become more computer literate in a technology driven world, 46 senior citizens are now well equipped to meet the challenge.
Following a year of intense computer studies, the group gathered for the 3rd annual "Senior Net" Certificate Awards Presentation at the Susan J. Wallace Community Centre yesterday to signify their successful completion of the course.
Christine Sands-Been, Centre Administrator, explained that the course, organized by the City of Freeport Council, covered basic concepts of information technology, using the computer, managing files and word processing.
"The morning sessions cater to the seniors, retirees and those who are unemployed," she said. "This is important for them because even at their age they have to keep up as the world changes."
She noted that the oldest participant of the course was 84 years old and was most determined to learn.
In an interview with The Freeport News Chief Councillor, Alvin Smith, said that this program is one that has shown tremendous growth over the years.
"This is the third year of the program and the participants are very excited about it." he said. " It was designed to teach and encourage persons who are young at heart to embrace and acknowledge technology and help them retool themselves to contribute within the community."
Smith said that as the world continues to rely heavily on technology, it is important for all age groups to become technologically aware of the changes.
"This type of class was designed for them to acquire those kinds of tools to keep up with what is going on and for them to make a positive contribution." Smith said.
"Technology has come to them and now that they have these skills they are re-energized by it and they are sending a positive message that no matter how mature you may become, life does not have to pass you by."
Retiree, Martha Williams said that she decided to join the course to give her something to do.
"My grandchildren would always try to show me things on the computer, but after this course I can do things for myself and have some independence."
Williams said that with her new skills she feels that she would be able to "do anything."
Another class participant, Dolly Swann said that the class has opened many doors of opportunity for her and she is grateful for a new skill.
"Before the class I had very limited use of the computer, but now you can't keep me off of it and I will hopefully be able to enhance my skills with this program."
Sands-Been said that there is already a waiting list of persons wishing to join the class in September, but the classes next year will be held every semester giving more persons an opportunity to join.
genea@nasguard.com
© 2009 The Freeport News
Responding to global demands for individuals to become more computer literate in a technology driven world, 46 senior citizens are now well equipped to meet the challenge.
Following a year of intense computer studies, the group gathered for the 3rd annual "Senior Net" Certificate Awards Presentation at the Susan J. Wallace Community Centre yesterday to signify their successful completion of the course.
Christine Sands-Been, Centre Administrator, explained that the course, organized by the City of Freeport Council, covered basic concepts of information technology, using the computer, managing files and word processing.
"The morning sessions cater to the seniors, retirees and those who are unemployed," she said. "This is important for them because even at their age they have to keep up as the world changes."
She noted that the oldest participant of the course was 84 years old and was most determined to learn.
In an interview with The Freeport News Chief Councillor, Alvin Smith, said that this program is one that has shown tremendous growth over the years.
"This is the third year of the program and the participants are very excited about it." he said. " It was designed to teach and encourage persons who are young at heart to embrace and acknowledge technology and help them retool themselves to contribute within the community."
Smith said that as the world continues to rely heavily on technology, it is important for all age groups to become technologically aware of the changes.
"This type of class was designed for them to acquire those kinds of tools to keep up with what is going on and for them to make a positive contribution." Smith said.
"Technology has come to them and now that they have these skills they are re-energized by it and they are sending a positive message that no matter how mature you may become, life does not have to pass you by."
Retiree, Martha Williams said that she decided to join the course to give her something to do.
"My grandchildren would always try to show me things on the computer, but after this course I can do things for myself and have some independence."
Williams said that with her new skills she feels that she would be able to "do anything."
Another class participant, Dolly Swann said that the class has opened many doors of opportunity for her and she is grateful for a new skill.
"Before the class I had very limited use of the computer, but now you can't keep me off of it and I will hopefully be able to enhance my skills with this program."
Sands-Been said that there is already a waiting list of persons wishing to join the class in September, but the classes next year will be held every semester giving more persons an opportunity to join.
genea@nasguard.com
© 2009 The Freeport News
