Event: Launch of ‘Mobile Computer Centre for Seniors”
Official Project Name: “Computer Literacy and Inter-generational Relationship Building”
Human Endeavour, an organization working for socio-economic betterment of the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, has initiated a new project that aims to increase computer literacy among senior citizens; the project also aspires to build inter-generational relationships in the process. The project titled ‘Computer Literacy and Inter-generational Relationship Building’ is funded by the Federal Government of Canada through New Horizon for Seniors program.
This project aims at reducing the isolation of seniors by introducing computer technology to them; use of computer and internet can open a new world of information and resources for the seniors. Seniors can have quick access to information, opportunities of entertainment and can stay in touch with their near and dear ones through internet-based technology. The project also wants to make communication easier for seniors by the use of email and other web-based communication tools.
Human Endeavour as pioneer of this innovative project started computer literacy training workshops for seniors in March 2008. In these workshops, seniors are given introductory courses about use of computer, internet surfing and sending and receiving emails. Human Endeavour has so far imparted 3 day computer literacy trainings to more than 75 senior citizens, introductory/motivational info sessions to 200 seniors with the help of 25 volunteers from the community.
Human Endeavour officially launched this project in a well attended ceremony on 7 August 2008 in Vellore Village Community Centre. The launching ceremony was attended by a large number of people including local councillors, NGO representatives, media personnels as well as senior citizens who have benefited from these training and children who volunteered in this project to teach computer skills to their elders. These children were awarded Certificates of Appreciation on this occasion.
Several Vaughan city councillors and community who were present on the occasion appreciated the efforts made by Human Endeavour for social well-being of senior citizens. Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio said that it was a great idea and she would try if Vaughan city’s computers, when they are not in official use, could also be used for the same purpose. Bernie DiVona, Councillor for Ward 3 also appreciated Human Endeavours efforts and pledged to reach out to people from all communities with culturally appropriate service. He mentioned that Vaughan was already providing services in 107 languages. He urged people to make use of these services.
Tony Carella, Councillor Ward 2, said that we all know about barriers of language which immigrant communities face and this project is about creating access which will help us over coming those barriers.
Sandra Yeung Racco Councillor Ward 4 said that it’s an excellent project and it’s not easy to put together something like this. She said that journey of learning never ends. City of Vaughan wants its seniors to be served well and this kind of project is a step in that direction.
Former MPP Mario G. Racco said that he was really glad to learn that Human Endeavour was now approaching new communities as well. They have imparted these computer trainings to Italian community while previously they it had only been serving South Asians.
Ms. Christel Galea Director of Client Services of Community Home Assistance to Seniors said that inter-generational approach for seniors well being is a great idea. Baldev Mutta of Punjabi Community Health Services said that this was a wonderful project that creates linkage between old and young and they learn from each other in the process.
Speaking on this occasion, Noor Din, Executive Director, Human Endeavour said that he was thankful to the Government of Canada for extending support for this project. He said that the idea of the project was to take computer learning to the door steps of senior citizens so that they could access some basic services from their homes through internet and be connected with their families and friends living in different parts of the world.
Some of the seniors who obtained this computer literacy training also spoke on this occasion; some of them also demonstrated their computer skills on the occasion. They said this training had completely revolutionalized their lives and had opened doors of a new world to them. They can read newspapers in their languages on the internet, they can listen to their favourite music and so much so that they can virtually visit the countries and the cities they have migrated from.
