A Googling grandmother

Mrs Elsie Dempster (85) – Proof that age is no barrier to getting digitally connected.

Last year Almond tenant Mrs Elsie Dempster completed our free computer course, which she describes as her 'first introduction to the digital world’:

‘I belong to a whole other generation and didn’t grow up with this technology. But I see its benefits and wanted to learn.’

Elsie, who lives in Ladywell, took part in our very first Computer and Online Basics course at West Lothian College in 2015, a beginners course for tenants who wish to learn how to use a computer. Everyone on Elsie’s course were even provided with a refurbished laptop from charity Reusing IT on completing the training.

Elsie says: ‘I was very impressed that we all got laptops! That’s how I’ve been able to keep learning at home too.’

Since the course ended, the 85 year old has been googling and surfing the web. The greatest benefit of learning how to use the internet, she says, is that she has discovered new hobbies and interests:

‘I now use Pinterest to keep up to date on knitting and other crafts, and I enjoy watching animal videos and other videos on YouTube.’

Elsie says she would recommend the course to anyone who wants to learn, young and old. In fact, she enjoyed the course so much that she posted us a beautiful thank you card. Because certain things are still better the old fashioned way:

‘I’ll always prefer letters to emails. Nothing can change that!’

Free computer courses

Do you want to learn how to use a computer? We provide tenants with an opportunity to go on a free Computer and Online Basics course at West Lothian College. We also offer an intermediate course for those who have been on the beginners course or have basic computer knowledge and would like to learn more.

If you want to know more, please get in touch with Community Engagement Officer Saima Akhtar on 01506 439291 or email enquiries@almondha.org.uk.

This article is from the latest issue of our newsletter Almond View. For more news, see the full newsletter!