Sixth formers from Michaelston Community College joined residents at Wales & West Housing’s Oldwell Court in Cardiff to show them how to use the internet.
The initiative was part of the housing provider’s digital inclusion programme and was the first time that a social housing provider in Wales has joined forces with BT’s Digital Champions programme.
Oldwell Court resident Anne Halliday said, “I’ve had an amazing time and learnt a lot. My tablet is only a few months old and because I’ve had a stroke, it has helped me tremendously with my memory, as well as opening up a new world to me.
“I think having the pupils here to teach us is a fantastic idea for us oldies. Some may think that we can’t do certain things, but, as I say, we can do anything as long as we are helped a little to get started.”
Jason Williams from Michaelston Community College said, “I was surprised how well the residents picked everything up; they didn’t really need a lot of help. I went through social media, email access and getting onto the internet – a bit of everything really.”
To date, 1,300 pupils from nine schools across Wales have joined the BT Digital Champions programme. As an added incentives, participating pupils can also get tickets for Rock Assembly, a free afternoon concert at Wembley Arena on July 9 hosted by Radio One DJ Nihal.
Richard Troote, head of information communications technology, Wales & West Housing, said, “I am delighted at how successful this day was. The pupils did a great job in helping our residents at Oldwell Court gain the most from the internet and the equipment that they already have, and I am thrilled that they are making arrangements to repeat this session on a regular basis.”
