Pupils at an Armagh school who helped adults aged 50 and over to develop new computer skills have been hailed as a credit to their parents and their school.
As part of a Digital Inclusion Programme, the group of local adults were mentored over six weeks by Year 13 A Level pupils from St Patrick’s Grammar in Armagh. This covered a range of IT skills, from email to social media, as well as important settings on their devices.
Some of those taking part had never used a tablet device or smartphone before and the one-to-one guidance from the pupils helped to develop their confidence in using their digital devices.
At an event held in the Armagh City Hotel to mark the conclusion of the course, the adults and pupils came together to celebrate the significant progress which was made during the course which was led by tutor Deirdre Fitzpatrick.
Joan Robinson summed up the sense of gratitude on behalf of the adults when she said: “They were kind, they were patient and most of all they were very polite. I would have to say that they are a credit to their parents and their school and I would like to wish them all the best in their coming exams.”
The Digital Inclusion Programme is supported by the Department for Communities and NI Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. Approximately £4M has been invested in the St Malachy’s Court shared housing development in Armagh, managed by Ark Housing Association and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.
The successful Digital Inclusion Programme was developed in partnership with the Promoting Wellbeing Team in SHSCT, and the Age Friendly Officer at ABC Council.
Stephanie Rock, who is the ABC Age Friendly Officer, said the course had delivered tangible rewards.
She said: “Bringing the pupils and the adults together for this course has had real benefits for everyone involved.
“The adults have gained some really important IT skills, which can help them communicate with family and friends and other tasks such as shopping and bills. And it has also given the pupils an opportunity to share their knowledge and skills.”
Stephen Harland, the Communities Officer at Ark Housing Association, added: “This has been a fantastic programme and we are very grateful to all our partners. We look forward to future projects in the years ahead.”
If you would like to find out more details about events, classes and activities in the ABC Borough for people aged 50 plus, you can email agefriendly@armaghbanbirdgecraigavon.gov.uk or call 07825 010630.
