FNU’s NTPC to conduct outreach programme for older persons

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World Telecommunications and Information Society Day is celebrated annually on May 17. Picture: SUPPLIED

The Department of Information Technology of the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) will hold a series of tailor-made ICT education programmes specifically for older persons in the community.

This was announced by the Director NTPC Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata during the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) celebrations held at Derrick Campus, Samabula.

The project is to assist the elderly population familiarise themselves with technology and smart devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, the internet, and social media.

The initiative is part of the department’s corporate social responsibility and is designed to help older persons appreciate how digital technology can enhance their quality of life.

The outreach is held in line with the WTISD 2022 theme Digital Technologies for Older Persons and Healthy Ageing. All training conducted will be free.

Older persons will receive encouragement and assistance in adopting digital technology to broaden their social circles and integrate them into the community.

“This group of the population, which is growing larger and larger, has greatly contributed to the social and economic achievements of our time,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.

“With time passing, they are now facing new opportunities and challenges and they deserve our care and help.”

Dr Tagcakiverata added that it was crucial to ensure there were no disparities in access to technology.

“Electronic communications cannot resolve all the key issues of today, but they do improve the quality of life, from economic, social, and cultural points of view. Our task and the task of those who are engaged in this field is to ensure the access to electronic communications for every person in the country.”

Department of Information and Technology Senior Instructor Manpreet Singh said they hope to be able to reach more than 200 people across the country.

“The scheme has been launched to get older people to use digital devices and systems and prevent them from being left out,” he said.

He added that with 15 per cent of Fiji’s population being over 55 years old, the training needed to be conducted to ensure older persons are more adept at technological changes.

The outreach programme will be provided in three rounds nationwide and will be held simultaneously in NTPC centres in Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka.

Proposed dates for the training are 27 July and 23 November this year and 29 March 2023.

Registration details will be announced prior to the first round of training.

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