Many of us struggle to stay on top of the developments in this new age of technology. In a generation where cell phones, Wi-Fi and laptops are the norm it can be difficult to keep up and stay connected.
Project Literacy’s newest program, ‘Get Connected: Digital Literacy for Seniors’ aims to target that struggle for at least a portion of the population. “Working with a number of seniors and senior serving organizations, to direct the shape of the program delivery, the ‘Get Connected’ program will provide one-on-one tutoring for seniors who want to learn more” says Project Literacy’s Executive Director Christine McWillis. “We are particularly proud of the new partnership with Baptist Housing to be able to reach senior learners who are eager to work with our community volunteers.”
The program has a focus on how to navigate the internet, use email and set up Facebook and Skype. As a way to introduce the program to the community, Project Literacy has partnered with Baptist Housing and the first learner and tutor matches will be with residents of the Village at Mill Creek senior’s community.
The Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program has provided funding to help get the program established here in Kelowna. New Horizons for Seniors is a Government of Canada program that assists organizations who want to help seniors make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. Projects under the program must be led or inspired by seniors, so that not only are isolated seniors targeted, but seniors who are able can also give leadership and input.
“We hope that many of our volunteer tutors will be seniors from the general community and will volunteer to assist others.” McWillis continues. “The program will start on August 20th 2017. The first tutor training days will be held on July 30th and Aug 13th 2017.
Project Literacy is looking for volunteers who are interested to give an hour a week to get seniors connected. If you would like to become a volunteer tutor you are encouraged to contact Project Literacy Kelowna Society for more information. A screening process is required so early sign-up is important.
Project Literacy Kelowna Society is a charitable organization with a focus on one-on-one literacy tutoring. Run by a small number of staff and a large number of volunteers, they provide free tutoring support for individuals seeking to improve their language and math skills in order to achieve their full potential at home, at work and in the community. Project Literacy Kelowna Society was established in 1986 as the first independent literacy organization chartered in British Columbia, and now has helped more than 6,000 residents.