At an event held in the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin on the 2nd March Active Retirement Ireland held its first graduation for it’s Digital Ambassadors.
Chairperson of Active Retirement Callan Christy O’Carroll who is also member of the Christian Brothers in Westcourt volunteered to complete a three month training course to become a digital ambassador.
Digital ambassadors throughout Ireland will now be leading free digital skills classes for older people in their communities as part of the Vodafone Ireland Foundation Hi Digital programme, in partnership with Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE.
Active Retirement Ireland in-person classes will follow the Vodafone Ireland Foundation 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.
Speaking at the event National President Active Retirement Ireland Anne Drury said: “There is a clear national need for more older people to learn online skills. Digital literacy levels of older people In Ireland are among the lowest in the EU and when you pair that with the way Irish life is moving online, this is of particular concern. Hi Digital is a significant step on the path to digital inclusion and I am so proud of Active Retirement Ireland’s graduating digital ambassadors for volunteering their time to support this important programme and 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. The online courses can be completed at home, either independently or with help from friends, family or other people in their community.
Photo Credit: https://activeirl.ie/press-release-active-retirement-ireland-honours-digital-ambassadors-leading-online-skills-training/
