Dublin People - Computer initiative is web of intrigue

Home

News

Sport

Computer initiative is web of intrigue

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

IF you receive an email shortly from one of your grandparents, don’t be so shocked that you have to take a second look or believe that it must have been sent on their behalf.
Dublin City Council and Age Action Ireland have joined forces to establish Getting Started, a joint initiative to provide Information and Communications Technology (ICT) training to older persons who are residents of sheltered housing complexes in the city.
Six complexes have been chosen as part of the pilot project.
Staff from different sections in Dublin City Council, including the Dublin.ie team, are currently involved in this project, and Age Action Ireland has trained volunteers to carry out this ambitious 10-week programme.
Research has shown that older adults who have received computer training have enhanced self-esteem and mental ability, increased social interaction between generations, greater community involvement and independence, increased levels of self-confidence and lower levels of loneliness.

Residents of the complexes are learning the basics of word processing, email and internet usage.
Dublin.ie Project Manager, Peter Dee, said: “The programme is a great way to introduce older people to computers and is designed to take the mystery out of modern technology in a friendly and relaxed manner.”
Mary Dowman said the course offers her the chance to learn computer skills so that she can keep in contact with her daughter and grandchildren in Israel.
“I was there recently and my daughter was receiving emails from everyone,” stated Ms Dowman.
“I felt left out so that is why I decided to learn how to use the computer and I look forward to being able to keep in touch with them by email.”
Age Action development officer Ann Neville said: “Trainees want to use their new skills to communicate with family overseas and to pursue interests such as literature, films and music.”
A graduation ceremony for trainees who have completed the programme will take place in the Mansion House on May 26.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke, will present certificates to the graduates.
The second phase of the project will be rolled out over the next six months. Nine complexes have been identified across the city.
Royal Bank of Scotland has offered trained IT staff to work alongside Age Action in providing further training for the elderly.
For more information visit: www.dublin.ie/gettingstarted

Sarsfields win Purcell Cup

Thursday, 03 July 2008

The Dublin team overcame Galway side, Mullagh, 2-3 to 1-1 in a hard fought battle that was highly competitive and skilful. Sarsfields got off to a great start when they opened with a goal, Sarah...
+ Full Story

Judo club in fight for medals

Thursday, 03 July 2008

Lusk Judo Club added to its medal tally by winning gold in the Hitachi-sponsored Celtic Open Judo Championship, an All-Ireland senior team competition between the top clubs in Ireland. The Lusk...
+ Full Story

McManus strikes All-Ireland gold

Thursday, 03 July 2008

Star of the day was Catherine McManus, who was running for St Dominic’s College, Cabra, in the 80-metre hurdles for Intermediate Girls where she won the gold medal. Tekea Gebrezgi, also...
+ Full Story

Morrow captures Open Championship

Thursday, 12 June 2008

The former Irish international, who played 39 Home International matches between 1975 and 2000, trailed Jimmy Lynch (Laytown & Bettystown) by four strokes entering the final round but...
+ Full Story

Website Poll

Was Bertie right to resign as Taoiseach?

	Yes, the time was right
	Yes, he should have gone sooner
	No, he should have stayed longer

Advertise

Advertise Online with the Dublin People. Great rates available. Click Here

Island Banners

Navigation Menu

Website Poll

Advertise

Private Ads Login