More than 40,000 seniors from the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association’s (ASCCA) 130-plus affiliated computer clubs will receive additional internet and mobile phone training and support thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Telstra Connected Seniors® program.
The grant will go towards hiring a part-time Development Officer for Training, and to guide a number of affiliated clubs through ASCCA’s train-the-trainer program.
Speaking of the grant, Mike Robey, Telstra Executive Director said that ASCCA was identified as a great recipient of a Telstra Connected Seniors grant as they have helped around 120,000 older Australians learn more about computers and technology over the last 10 years.
“ASCCA and Telstra Connected Seniors share the common ambition to provide support for older Australians wanting to learn about mobile and internet communications in an encouraging and supportive environment,” Mr Robey said.
“Telstra Connected Seniors has also provided assistance to many of ASCCA’s individual member clubs in the form of small grants and training material through the Telstra Connected Seniors program. We are pleased to be able to provide the organisation with further assistance on such a broad scale.”
About ASCCA
Established in 1998, the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) is the not-for-profit peak body representing over 130 seniors computer clubs across Australia. ASCCA assists communities to establish computer clubs and facilitates IT support, training sessions and activities for seniors in a non-threatening environment. For more information, visit the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (www.ascca.org.au) website.
About Telstra Connected Seniors®
Telstra Connected Seniors is a three-year $3 million program created to help older Australians learn more about new technology so they can confidently use it to keep in contact with family, friends and loved ones. For more information, visit the Telstra Connected Seniors (www.telstraseniors.com.au) website.
Established in 1998, ASCCA has assisted communities across Australia to form computer clubs and hold workshops and training sessions to help seniors learn about technology and increase wellbeing.
“We have members who range from those who don’t know how to turn on a computer to someone who was involved in the creation of the first computer in England in 1948,” said ASCCA founder Nan Bosler.
“What we’ve learned is that seniors learn at their own pace, and in their own way. Our trainers keep all this in mind when they hold a computer workshop or activity. The ASCCA philosophy is that if you gain a new computing skill then you pass it on to the other people in your club.”
ASCCA and its 130-plus affiliated computer clubs across Australia have a long history of passing on computer skills.
From the Northern Beaches Computer Pals for Seniors club, retired computer aided design (CAD) draftsman Henri Osieck trained retired journalist Mickey O'Neill in 2004. Mickey then trained retired school teacher Mary Ann O'Reilly in 2005 who is now teaching Elaine Burnes. Brian Hindes, a retired bus driver member, trained retired business woman Anne Parsons in 2006 who is now teaching Jenny Rosen.
Clubs will be encouraged to send two participants to attend training workshops held in the Sydney CBD. The train-the-trainer workshops will also be held in each state over the next 12 months.
The Telstra Connected Seniors grant will also enable ASCCA to help clubs apply for other grants and provide additional over-the-phone support and training to clubs that receive grants.
From 27-28 August 2008, a number of ASCCA’s members and clubs will celebrate the organisation’s 10th birthday at the annual conference held at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
“It is a great opportunity for the clubs to come together and hear from various industry experts about new developments in communications and technology,” Mrs Bosler said.
“Learning and staying informed is important to us.”