INTRODUCTION

                   Sensing the need to actively involve the elderly in the fast changing society as well as to support continuous IT-learning, the South West Community Development Council (CDC) together with main partner Institute of Technical Education (ITE), implemented an IT programme since November 2007, targeted at this group of elderly.  The programme provides a platform to promote learning opportunities and realising the benefits of computer technologies as means to champion active ageing.

2                 The programme is supported by IBM Singapore Ptd Ltd, Infocomm Development Authority, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) Singapore and the South West District Grassroots Oragnisations.

OBJECTIVES

3                 Into its 5th and 6th run in 2009, the Elderly @ IT! Boot camp aims to:

• Educate the elderly to be IT-Savvy/literate and stimulate their mind through computer games and activities;
• Create and maximise the learning opportunities for senior citizens to be engaged with computers and internet in order to realise the benefits of IT and live more fulfilling lives; and
• Acknowledge computer and its technology as a common platform of interest between the senior citizens and their families.

TARGET GROUP

4                 The ‘Elderly @ IT!’ will be targeting at senior citizens aged 50 and above, residing in South West District.  Registration is open to interested residents as well as representatives nominated by the divisions. The expected outreach in 2009 is 120 for 2 boot camps – June and November 2009.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ELDERLY @ IT! BOOT CAMP

5                 There are three distinctive highlights to the boot camp, namely:

a) “Seniors-teach-Seniors”
To facilitate a well-paced and comfortable learning environment, the boot camp will be conducted by qualified senior citizens from the Retired and Seniors Volunteer Programme (RSVP Singapore). 

b) Holistic ‘Package’ for alumni members
Programme partner - ITE College West (Bukit Batok Campus) will arrange a designate lab dedicated once a week over four months i.e. July – August 2009 and December 2009 – January 2010 to facilitate practice sessions for alumni members.  This is to encourage senior citizens to continue and practice on the skills and knowledge learnt.  Student volunteers and training buddies will be around to help and mentor the members during their practice.

In addition, an annual gathering will also be held for all alumni members, where potential partners such as Health Promotion Board will provide senior-focused talks and an Interactive Skit on mental well-being for senior citizens. 

c) Information Technology as a platform for family and peer bonding
Participants will be taught on the use of the newly launched elderly portal by the ComCare Local Network – I not Old.com. The new portal will provide an interactive and comprehensive information resource including elderly-related activities, news and services.  Family participation will also be involved on the last day of the camp where novelty competitions and games will be held to promote family bonding.   
In addition, trained participants are also invited to volunteer their time as training buddies for subsequent boot camps and practice sessions. This can reinforce what they have learnt through the boot camp, as well as promote peer tutoring and bonding among the senior citizens. 

GRADUATION CEREMONY

6                  A graduation ceremony will be held on the 4th day, where the proposed GOH will be invited to present the participants with their certificate of completion. As part of the ceremony highlights, there would be a video presentation capturing the essence of the entire boot camp.  Details of the upcoming boot camp in June are as follows:

Date:                           Friday, 19 June 2009

Time:                           10.30am to 12.00pm

Venue:                         ITE College West (Bukit Batok Campus)
                                    20 Bukit Batok Street 21
                                    Auditorium

CONCLUSION

7                 The Elderly @ It! Programme will continue to be the platform to promote active ageing among senior citizens, and equip them with IT skills and knowledge.  Through the programme, senior citizens will have the confidence to make use of Information Technology to lead more fulfilling lives, and improve their communications and relations with their families especially with the younger generation.

CONTACT DETAILS

8          You may contact the officer in charge, Ms Koh Poh Loo at 6551 9285 (Email: koh_poh_loo@pa.gov.sg) for more details: