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“I was delighted when they said there would be computer training for us. I know nothing about computers and I really want to learn. I wanted to set up my own email because my husband sends emails for me. I also wanted to join Facebook. I am now on Facebook and I have my own email.”- Learner
Men and women over 50 years old in rural Ireland are a forgotten demographic when it comes to digital inclusion. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that over 30% have never used a computer or the Internet. This project addressed these digital literacy needs by providing a digital learning programme in an accessible rural location.
A trainer and volunteers from the Kilinaspic Peoples Shed and Enhance delivered digital inclusion training between September and December 2024.
22 learners received 16 hours of individualised instruction, combined with support material and one-to-one tuition.
Tailored training programs focused on fundamental digital skills, such as using email, Facebook, and Instagram, and seeking information online.
Organizers installed Starlink Satellite Broadband, a router, printers, scanners, tablets, and laptops in the Kilnaspic Peoples Shed community centre. This digital hub is making real difference to many people’s lives. Many locals in the area don’t have access to Broadband or mobile telephone services.
This project supported the digital literacy needs of rural seniors and empowered them to navigate today's increasingly online society.
Most learners said they were interested in taking part in other digital skills training programmes in future.
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Course attendees.
This project was a collaboration between Enhance and Kilnaspic Peoples Shed.
For more information about the project, please contact Helen Walsh, Regional Literacy Coordinator in Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, at helenm.walsh@kilkennycarlowetb.ie
The Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports projects for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and projects that support organisations to be literacy friendly. The closing date for 2024 applications has now passed but keep an eye out for information on our 2025 fund which will be launched in December.
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