Africazine:
WAND’s Golden Years Project is transforming the lives of seniors in South Africa by enhancing their digital skills.
Over four Saturdays, 40 elderly participants, aged 60 to 88, engaged in a hands-on smartphone and digital skills workshop at Durban University of Technology and Meadowlands Technical High School. The initiative, led by WAND, focused on practical skills such as making calls, sending messages, and using WhatsApp, while also improving literacy and numeracy through an ABET component.
Empowering Seniors Through Technology in South Africa
The Golden Years Project aims to bridge the digital divide for older adults. Participants learned essential skills to navigate smartphones and the internet, fostering independence and connectivity. Each attendee received a Vodacom SIM card with 250MB of data per month for 12 months, enabling them to practice their new skills at home.
WAND Director Trey Naidoo highlighted the importance of community support, thanking Professor Ebrahim Asmal from DUT for his guidance and teaching. The program not only enhances technical skills but also builds confidence among seniors, as evidenced by participant Daniel Murugan’s transformative experience.
Key Figures on Digital Skills Training for Seniors
- 40 elderly participants
- Aged 60 to 88
- 250MB of data per month for 12 months
Future Plans for the Golden Years Project
- Graduation ceremony scheduled for the end of March
- Continuation of the Golden Years Project
- Expansion to ensure more seniors gain digital skills
WAND's initiative is a vital step towards empowering seniors in a digital age.
