The Saint John YMCA aims to increase the digital literacy skills of older adults through a new program. (Photo supplied by the YMCA)
The YMCA of Greater Saint John has launched a new program to increase digital literacy skills for older adults.
President and CEO Shilo Boucher says the Digital Literacy program was developed to match youth mentors with older adults either looking to build upon their current knowledge — or take their first steps online.
“Our young people are specifically trained to do this, to mentor these folks through this program. I think it’s probably helping our young people be good coaches and mentors,” Boucher said.
Boucher said they were pursuing doing a digital literacy program prior to COVID-19.
“We had started thinking about what that would look like and there was some funding available through the federal government and we were able to get some funding,” Boucher said.
Program topics include cyber-security and safety, setting up and using social media, and how to use communication platforms to stay connected with family and friends.
The program is launching this month and will be available virtually and in-person out of the Irving Oil Field House.
