Helping elder community to take a step into the technology era

Are you struggling with technology and to use digital devices? Are you over the age of 55 and looking to improve your computer literacy skills to enhance your everyday tasks, or learn the necessary skills to benefit and improve your work?

The University of South Africa’s Computer Literacy In Communities (CLIC) project is a community outreach programme presented free of charge by Unisa’s Computer Science Department (CSD).

The CLIC project aims to increase elder community members’ basic computer literacy, by providing training in Google searches, creating a Microsoft Word document, using email and much more.

“The average person over 60 grew up without digital devices and do not have the skills to use such devices optimally because they were only introduced to the technology at a later stage in their lives. In contrast, most youngsters are exposed to them from a very young age, and are relatively comfortable with technology,” Drina du Plessis from Unisa stated.

Due to the cost factor, many older people are excluded from formal technology training courses or workshops. In addition, most of the formal training courses are not designed with the older person in mind, and therefore they are not only fearful of technology, it takes longer for them to develop the skills. “Most training courses simply do not cater for the slower learner because they are reluctant to attend training,” she added.

This course provides the opportunity for elder people struggling with computer technology, to learn and grow their literacy skills. The CLIC course will be presented over six days, being 4 and 20 April, 4 and 11 May, as well as 3 and 17 August from 9am to 12 noon at the Unisa Science Campus, Florida.

“The course is for seniors over the age of 55, and attendees must be able to get to the campus on their own,” Drina said.

Due to limited space available, anyone interested in attending needs to book a space by contacting Drina on 011 670 9109.