(Picture caption: Pacific elders are becoming more digital savvy with support frm 20/20 Trust.)
Pacific communities are taking advantage of a movement to improve digital equity and capability for seniors across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chief Executive of 20/20 Trust Dr Warren Williams has been aligning his organisation with this movement to help Pacific seniors become digitally savvy.
Dr Williams and the Trust partnered with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) and the Office for Seniors to deliver digital literacy programmes for Pacific people across the country.
So far, 20/20 Trust have provided digital literacy programmes for more than 400 Pacific people over the past three years.
Dr Williams says the feedback from communities has been highly positive, and they have asked if they could continue learning with the Trust in the future.
“For more than 25 years, 20/20 Trust has partnered with local communities to deliver digital literacy programmes across Aotearoa,” he explains.
“These are foundational skills in digital literacy as we strive for our vision that every person in Aotearoa has the digital capabilities to fully take part in the world.”
The trust has delivered a specific programme over the past three years to Pacific seniors aged 65 and older, based on the “community voice”, Dr Williams adds.
Community influence and participation is critical to the service he and the trust delivers.
“When we complete a class or cohort, we are asked by community leaders if there is another programme, they can enrol more learners in.
“This initiative is too important not to be part of as the community has been asking us to do more.
“We see that digital equity (through digital skills and continuous learning) is essential for all people in Aotearoa.
“Digital technologies and services are increasing, and people need to be able to access these services easily and equitably.”
Dr Williams says it is recognised elders and their families deserve to be digitally included and this initiative provides more affordable access to technology (such as tablets) and digital foundational skills.
Communities have identified themselves a need to enhance their digital competency, and often reach out to the trust or similar organisations for digital inclusion assistance.
“This service is needed so Pacific seniors in Aotearoa can engage and connect with friends, family here and overseas,” he says.
“We want them to access the services they need to enrich their lives, and they are afforded all the opportunities as everyone else who has equitable access to digital technologies.
“I would like to thank the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Office for Seniors for supporting 20/20 Trust, so that we can continue to serve the many Pacific communities.
“We are proud and privileged to serve and will continue to acknowledge community voice and need in the work we do.”
Visit the Office for Seniors’ website and the 20/20 Trust website for more information.