Senior citizens celebrated their new digital-savvy skills at Orange Farm Library recently! These skills have helped empower them to not only access essential computer skills, but also to write their stories.
Orange Farm, South Africa (09 December 2024) — Orange Farm Library recently welcomed over 20 senior citizens for a celebration of resilience, storytelling, inclusivity and new skillsets.
Hosted by the Library, ELearning Services and Social Development, 10 of the senior citizens were applauded for the new digital skills they’ve acquired through the Digital Literacy Programme.
These skills have not only helped the participants with essential computer skills, but have also enabled them to write and share important stories from experiences and perspectives that aren’t always spotlighted.
This lined-up neatly with the celebration that aimed to raise awareness for people living with disabilities while spotlighting digital empowerment as an important resource for societal inclusion.
The senior citizens were able to share stories of hope and heartbreak—both of which are necessary for a more inclusive Johannesburg and South Africa.
One shared the perspective of a parent whose daughter had become both physically and mentally challenged at just 9-years-old following a fall. Despite this, their daughter is said to be positive, and someone who “Just needs access to opportunities” as Joburg Libraries recount.
Another story was again that of a parent who raised a child who did not have all their senses. However, the child persevered and went on to pursue tertiary education.
“All these stories are different, and all the affected communities deserve support and care as everyone else in an inclusive society,” Joburg Libraries shared.
Some of their stories are set to be used for the 2025 MobiReadathon High Schools Competition. Here, they will play a vital role in raising awareness of disability and inclusion for the younger generation.
The seniors were also treated to food packs and other gifts to put a bow on the day. But, for many of them, the real gift will be a world where more seniors are empowered digitally, and can go on to be included in society more than they are.
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