In 2007 Clarenville was designated an "Aged Friendly Community" and since then the Random Aged Friendly Board has been engaging seniors in numerous activities and advocating for seniors on numerous fronts. One of the most successful initiatives has been the "Computers for Seniors" classes that are offered at the Clarenville Campus of the College of the North Atlantic.
In Fall and Winter semesters, Random Aged Friendly and the College offer a free 8 week evening course to seniors that teaches basic computer skills such as searching the internet, composing and sending emails, Google earth, on-line banking and many other computer functions.
Each evening, 5-8 volunteer facilitators from the College, the Community and the local High School work with the class of 12-16 seniors - who come from all over Clarenville and surrounding communities.
On March 27, 2012 another 17 seniors graduated to bring the number up to 127 graduates since the program was launched.
In addressing the 9th graduating class , Leo Bonnell Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors ,said “this and previous classes proves the fact that older adults still have a desire to learn and have embraced technology as opposed to rejecting it”. He went on to say that the” Clarenville experience can easily be replicated elsewhere in the Province to give seniors the opportunity to learn new things in their golden years”
If you or a senior you know want to learn more or to get involved visit the Random Age Friendly Communities website at http://www.randomagefriendly.com/ . Contact information can be found on the site.
Comments
Post a Comment