Minister Alex White met participants of Irish Rural Link basic computer course at Digital Hub and announced new projects being funded in 2015 delivering basic internet skills, training to groups including unemployed, farming communities, job seekers, older people, people with mental health problems.
Lackagh IT Centre is one of the centres rolling out this training and people wishing to avail of it should contact Geraldine Delaney, Teacher in IT in Lackagh where training is held in the mornings and evenings to suit everyone.
According to Irish Rural Link’s Chief Executive Seamus Boland “the BenefIT computer training provides a social outlet and freedom for people especially the elderly who have restricted transport opportunities and are geographically isolated.” Irish Rural Link’s basic computer training course is aimed at people who have never used a computer before with the objective of being able to send an email and Skype with friends and family after the eight hour course. IRL have delivered the computer training all over country for all different age groups.
Minister for Communications Alex White, TD announcing 2015 BenefIT 4 awards at the Dublin Digital Hub with Sonny O’Brien Claregalway a participant in the Internet training, Geraldine Delaney Teacher in Lackagh IT Centre and Seamus Boland from Irish Rural Link.
Sonny O’Brien (80 years old) participated in the computer training course in Lackagh, Co Galway provides the following testimonial of how the basic computer training has changed his life.
“I trace my original reluctance to participate in training to fear. To think that somebody who graduated from an ink well and nib in Annagh National School many decades ago could be introduced to the world of computers did not appear realistic. Today I also have a fear but it is of what I would have missed out on if I had not availed of this wonderful opportunity. My first reaction was that this could be just a hobby. I gradually saw the horizons broaden and while it has still an element of entertainment it is now an absolute necessity in my day. The activities are too many to mention them all. I will just mention a few.
Some months ago our family suffered a double bereavement in the USA. Email was a vital link up in keeping in touch with family in those dark days. The support that it allows us extend to each other in post bereavement is wonderful. Skype is such a wonderful facility to participate in all situations both happy and sad. Both of those facilities enhance my quality of life. I am Chairperson of our Community Alert and email is essential here not a hobby.
Even though at this stage of my life, my banking and online purchases would not be a huge part of my life, it is a big advantage to have this facility. My bank surprised me with their enthusiasm to get me organised. The message that I took from that was that this is the way life is going. We have the option of getting prepared or of being left behind. As I explore the world of internet I am stunned by the bottomless well of knowledge that is available on every topic that one can think of.
To merely say that my training in the world of computers has given me a broader vision of life is an understatement.
I avail of any opportunity that comes my way and encourage others who graduated from the ink well era that they too can have this experience. Finally I wish to say a million thanks to our class teacher Geraldine Delaney. In addition to her detailed knowledge of her subject Geraldine has the special skill of being able to communicate patiently and effectively and with much encouragement with my age group.”
The BenefIT 4 scheme delivers internet training in approximately 600 locations nationwide and Geraldine Delaney the IT Teacher in Lackagh welcomes it to Lackagh and wishes to ask all community groups to contact the Lackagh IT Centre in whatever area in IT training is needed. We all can make our new technology world made easy and also enrich our lives through better access to information, social media and public services. Bookings for the classes can be made through the Lackagh IT Office on 091 737070, email [email protected] or contact Geraldine on 087 815 3762.
