Tech Generations – students supporting seniors

AN intergenerational program in Tweed to support seniors using technology is having broad positive effects on its participants.

The Tech Generations program pairs Tweed River High School students with local seniors to help them navigate their everyday tech needs and use smart devices.

Teacher Librarian and Green Team Coordinator Lila Monniot-Kerr said the program occurred almost accidentally when she discovered an old pamphlet while cleaning out her desk.

“I found an old brochure from the eSafety Commissioner about the Young Mentors program,” she said.

“I already valued volunteering and thought it would be wonderful to get this program running again.

“Council said the program had not run for some years, and I already had a bunch of lovely students in mind, so I thought it would be a worthy program.”

The one-on-one digital support initiative helps seniors take and send photos, browse the web, perform tasks such as shopping and banking, and stay safe online.

“Most of the seniors express their gratitude and enjoy the support,” Monniot-Kerr said.

“Their skills are improving, but of course, they must keep playing with those devices to ensure they become second nature.”

Tweed Shire Council’s Vicki Harrison said the initiative was growing.

“We are expanding soon to Banora Point in collaboration with students from St Joseph’s College,” she said.

“It is important for seniors to maintain and improve their digital literacy skills to stay safe, informed, and connected in today’s digital world.

“Staying up to date with technology can allow seniors to stay socially connected with family and friends, reducing feelings of isolation, and can allow seniors to enjoy greater independence and access trusted information.”

Monniot-Kerr said seeing how much seniors valued being with young people was a joy.

“The joy works both ways – everyone smiles at Tech Gens,” she said.

“Seniors are happy and gain a lot from those interactions, and our students get a great kick out of seeing how helping

others makes such a big difference.

“We all know that cross-generation interactions bring positive outcomes, and this program exemplifies that perfectly.”

The free program runs at the South Tweed Community Centre every second Thursday during the school term at 11.15 am.

Contact Tweed Council for more information.