Digital Literacy Program Breaks Digital Divide in Brome-missisquoi and Haute-yamaska
In 2018, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada launched a contribution program to support training geared towards improving essential digital literacy skills; the Digital Literacy Exchange program (DLEP). Many economic communications and transactions are migrating to a primarily digital platform, which has generated a need for more accessible training programs to support this area of knowledge development. Through the DLEP, individuals from across the country have access to a range of training designed to increase their digital competencies.
The MRCS of Brome-missisquoi and Haute-yamaska are among the fortunate communities to benefit from this funding program. In partnership with Yamaska Literacy Council and Espace Idées, Townshippers’ Association has received funding to offer training opportunities in these MRCS. Three municipalities will benefit from three separate workshops that address various levels of digital literacy knowledge development. Each of these workshops are offered in both official languages, at separate times, in each of the three municipalities. The DLEP program has run English-language workshops in Waterloo and Cowansville and will conclude the English-language workshops in Granby. The French-language workshops are scheduled for the fall and winter months and will also take place in Waterloo, Cowansville, and Granby. In support of digital literacy knowledge development, the workshops offer information and support ranging from basic interactions with and manipulation of your digital device, online safety, and critical evaluation, to creating digital and online content.
After the completion of six workshops, the feedback has been very positive. The scope of digital knowledge is vast, and the interests and needs being identified in our community are representative of the growing demands and social benefit of a flourishing digital economy. Although the DLEP program will conclude in Brome-missisquoi and Haute-yamaska in March of 2020, community service providers will continue to work to identify needs and provide information on pertinent topics related to digital literacy. If you would like more information on the current workshops, please contact Maggie Severs at 450-242-4421 or ms@townshippers.org.
Last month, Townshippers’ NPI agents, Lisa Payne and Maggie Severs, had the pleasure of interviewing Miranda Cote, one of this year’s Outstanding Townshippers award recipients. This poised young woman spoke eloquently about her goals and the importance of community involvement. Miranda is a familiar face around the Knowlton area. She has been involved in various committees and projects for children. Notably, Miranda has helped manage the Salamander Summer camp in Lac-brome. Her team, under her watchful eye and leadership, delivered an incredible experience for all campers. As one of her nominator’s worded it, “From organizing our neighbourhood play dates to organizing the whole entire town’s day camp, it has always been her talent to bring people together.” At just 23 years old, Miranda is also a cancer survivor; having conquered cancer with perseverance and a positive attitude. When faced with this horrible diagnosis, she was brave enough to video blog her journey, documenting the process, raising awareness of blood cancers, helping fellow cancer patients and survivors, and sharing her journey. Miranda’s university studies were interrupted by her battle, but now that she is strong and healthy again, she has returned to studying teaching at Bishop’s University and she is currently a substitute teacher in the area. We thank Miranda for her continued involvement and support of local initiatives as an Outstanding Townshipper!
About Townshippers is Townshippers’ Association’s radio show on CIDI 99.1 FM. Tune in every week Fridays at noon and Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. The program is designed to keep our listeners informed and up to date on cultural events and fundraisers, local health and social services, and news from community partners. It’s an hour dedicated to highlighting amazing initiatives and the devoted individuals that support Englishlanguage events, activities, and services in our area.
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100-257 Queen St., Sherbrooke
3-584 Knowlton Rd., Lac-brome 819-566-5717 450-242-4421