Filipino-Canadian Seniors Learn How to Use a Tablet in Person and Virtually

September 6, 2021
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On July 25, 2021, the Enhancing Connectivity of Seniors with Their Families and Community Through Digital Technology project launched at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Ottawa. The project is a joint undertaking by the PCC and the Ottawa Valley Filipino-Canadian Senior Citizens Association (OVFCSCA). The main goal is to promote social inclusion among the participants and relieve social isolation caused by the pandemic and other barriers. With funding support from the New Horizons for Seniors Program through the Economic and Social Development Canada, the PCC and OVFCSCA were able to purchase 50 tablets to be used for training Filipino-Canadian seniors (50 years old and above).

The training sessions have been a combination of in-person and Zoom meetings. Step-by-step instruction guides are provided to the participants, which enables them to practice at home after the weekly sessions. So far, the participants have learned how to create an email address, join Zoom meetings, communicate through social media apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, send photos and videos, and do a quick Google search for news and recipes. One of the main objectives of the project is to enable the participants to communicate with their families and friends from all over the world, which has been achieved. One of the seniors still used long distance calling to talk to her children in the Philippines until she joined this project.

The project is in its first phase, where 23 participants are in training with five dedicated volunteers. The second phase is set to start at the end of September. There are still nine spots left for the second phase. Please send an email to alyssa.corcino@gmail.com to register.