Sixty-three-year-old Sharon Jeffery is sure that the next time she wants to go on vacation she can book it online.

That confidence comes from her successful completion of a four-month computer course that demystified the digital world for her and 36 other senior citizens who graduated on Thursday.

“I am very elated about this course. It has made me computer savvy. When I came to do the course I was practically [computer] illiterate. I knew nothing about computers. But I did tell them on my first day that I had the capacity for learning and so I was willing to take the chance to master the course. And here I am today. I completed and now am much more technologically informed and able to manage on my own, without asking for any help,” Jeffrey gleefully told the Jamaica Observer.

“I am able to do a lot of things. If I want to go on a vacation I am able to access a site to get the necessary information regarding just about everything: the air fare, the taxi arrangements and hotel accommodation. I am able to do that on my own without asking for any help. Before, I would have to ask my children or friends to help me; I knew nothing,” she added.

Her classmate Jennifer Gordon was equally effusive and had high praise for her two instructors, Lackecia Nairne and Garfield Davidson. Gordon said before doing the course she was “not a total novice but I was far from being computer-friendly”.

“I recall at one time when I asked my son to do something for me his response was, ‘You can read, so do it’. Now that I have completed the course, I have progressed from that level. I can walk into the NWC office and pay my bill, using the kiosk; I enter ATM spaces with confidence to do my transactions. There were some commands I was afraid to respond to whether on my phone or desktop, but now I know that information will not be deleted or cause any crash if I respond to them. I know how to get them back,” she said.

Only three of the 40 participants who enrolled failed to complete the Get Connected programme. It was offered by the HEART College of Innovation & Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s National Council for Senior Citizens.

Seniors learned how to navigate the Internet, how to use social media as well as the fun and value of interacting with others through common software applications and tools.

An impressed Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr made the point that the seniors’ newly gained digital skills will shield them from cybercriminals who prey on the vulnerable.

“What is going to happen over time is that those persons will realise that you have now educated yourself and, as they do so, you’re going to find that you become less of a vulnerable group. The reality is, while you improve your functionality and improve how you can navigate this world, you’re improving how you can protect yourself in this world,” he said.

“While we are improving your functionality, we are also allowing you to protect yourself from the scammers. Because one of the things I note — because I served in national security — the reality is, who do they prey on? It’s not a matter of age; it’s a matter of vulnerability. If you are young and don’t know, they’re going to prey on you; if you’re old and don’t know, they’re going to prey on you. It just so happens that most of the older persons have the mindset that they don’t need to know about it so they [scammers looking for victims] choose that cohort,” he added.

All the graduates on hand Thursday were presented with tablets, and Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, who congratulated all the stakeholders, has pledged to support the programme with the donation of 10 devices.

Dr Cheryl McLaughlin, deputy managing director of National Training and Programmes Division, HEART/NSTA Trust, was also among those who congratulated participants.

“This graduation marks a significant milestone in your journey, filled with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to personal and professional growth,” she said.

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and the HEART College of Innovation & Technology for their unwavering support in making this digital literacy programme a success. Your partnership has empowered our senior citizens with essential digital skills,” McLaughlin added.

Sharon Jeffery, who graduated from the HEART College of Innovation & Technology’s senior digital literacy programme, says she is now able to book a vacation online. (Photos: Philp Lemonte)

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr is surrounded by graduates from the HEART College of Innovation & Technology’s senior digital literacy programme and other stakeholders in Montego Bay on Thursday.

Digital literacy programme graduate Jennifer Gordon says she can now confidently use ATMs.