An ICT awareness training for senior citizens kicked off yesterday at the Lady Sushil Ramgoolam Recreational Centre at Pointe aux Piments. The two caravans of the National Computer Board, equipped with 46 computers and other equipment will eventually tour other recreational centres and three courses are being provided to the senior citizens, namely ICT Literacy Course, IC3 Course and Microsoft Office Package Course.
Present on the occasion, the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, underlined that Government will ensure that the elderly population is part of the socio-economic development process of the country. They should be given the respect they deserve for their longstanding contribution to the country’s progress, he stated.
Moreover, he underpinned the imperative need for everyone to have digital skills in an increasingly digital society. As Government is inclined in transforming the country into a smart, wireless and connected digital society for the benefit of the whole population, it is primordial that the elderly acquire the necessary basic ICT skills to take full advantage of technological advances, he added.
The Minister further emphasised that the objective of the training is to provide assistance to senior citizens to acquire digital literacy to join the online world so that digital technology consequently becomes an integral part of their daily lives. On that note, he underscored measures taken by Government to yield significant advances of technology for the betterment of the population. The recently launched Mobile Applications, he pointed out, allow access to better services and facilities such as quick access to emergency numbers.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable Development, Mr Etienne Sinatambou, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Dhanandjay Kawol, underlined that the acquisition of knowledge regarding the use of digital tools by the elderly, will reduce the generation gap between them and the youth. Underlining the important role that grandparents play in the socialisation of children, he added that understanding and using social media will better connect and create understanding and synergy with the new generation.
Source: Government of Mauritius