Alma Miller, who successfully graduated from a computer course put on by the National Council for Senior Citizens.
Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer
Port Antonio, Portland:Not certain whether she would be able to use a computer, Alma Miller put pride aside and successfully enrolled in a special training programme at the Portland Parish Library.
The end result is that she is one of 18 persons to have graduated from the eight-week training programme put on by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) recently.
"The course has transformed my life in a positive way," she said. "I am now able to search for information on the Internet with the utmost ease. I learned a lot during the course, and as a result, I can now do research on my own and stay connected with family members and friends elsewhere. I am urging other persons to join the programme as it is rewarding."
encouraged
Miller, who is a dressmaker by profession, hails from the quiet community of Bound-brook in Port Antonio, and she was supported and encouraged by husband, Ronald (a tailor), and sons, Rafike and Oshane, to join the programme.
The dressmaker pointed out that at first she was a bit tentative as she had been led to believe that computers were built for younger persons who would be able to easily comprehend their many processes far better than the elderly.
But while she had been very hesitant about making the decision to learn about computers for a number of years, the dressmaker finally decided that whatever youth were learning, she, too, could accomplish the same success once she applied herself.
The course, which was offered to senior citizens free of cost, started in October last year and saw them being trained in Microsoft Word and surfing the Internet.
Parish organiser of the NCSC Portland chapter, Patrice Gayle, had high praise for Miller and the other 17 graduates, who showed determination during the eight-week-long training.
"This is one way of connecting them to loved ones abroad," commented Gayle. "Technology is not just for the young, but also for senior citizens, who, despite their age, are able to use a computer and to keep up to date with information. We have realised that technology has increased and some senior citizens have been left out. This programme offers them the opportunity to stay connected and to interact with persons in a timely manner rather than having to send letters or telegrams."
Throughout the training, the senior citizens were assisted by young volunteers, who are members of the senior citizens' club, and who also possess a passion for helping the elderly.