New ambassadors in the fight against digital exclusion
The first Active Retirement Ireland digital ambassadors from Cavan graduated at a special event in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland in Dublin.
Volunteers Margaret Hopkins from Virginia and Margaret Burns from Kingscourt will be leading free digital skills classes for older people in their communities.
Over the past three months, they have undergone technology training, Hi Digital train-the-trainer training and Hi Digital platform training.
The Vodafone Ireland Foundation Hi Digital programme has been developed to empower older people in Ireland to build basic and essential digital skills, and help them to stay connected in their communities. The programme is run in partnership with Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE.
Newly conferred digital ambassador Margaret Hopkins, 67, said: “Whether it’s a good thing or not, the world is moving online and if we’re to get the most out of the opportunities and conveniences that provides, we have to have the skills to be able to access them.
"I have been fortunate in my life to have picked up a working level of digital literacy as new technologies came about and I am delighted to be able to share these skills with other older people who would like to learn but perhaps don’t know where to start or might be a bit daunted. If I can do it, believe me, anyone can!”
Active Retirement Ireland in-person classes will follow the Hi Digital online learning platform and cover essential topics including using the internet, using smartphones, sending emails, keeping in touch through social media or video calling, accessing online banking and government services, and shopping and making electronic payments online. Tuition is also provided in online communication and recreational services including how to use WhatsApp, watch television or listen to the radio online, plan driving routes and other travel, and book events, outings and holidays online.
Maureen Kavanagh, CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, said: “Digital exclusion of older people is a real and growing problem in Ireland, and one that is leading to increased feelings of isolation and disconnectedness.
"Through this new stage of the Hi Digital programme, our digital ambassador-led, in-person classes will further support older people’s participation online.
"We are so proud of our digital ambassadors who have given up so much of their time for training and who now want to share their skills with others in their communities.”
Older people wishing to learn or refresh their digital skills can start today with the free, self-guided Hi Digital online courses, in both English and Irish, at www.hidigital.ie