Staying connected with grandparents during the pandemic

News Canada

Many older adults are relying on Zoom, Skype and FaceTime to keep up with their kids and grandkids during COVID-19. But if you’ve tried everything and still can’t help your parents get online or work the right app, a free new community program can help.

Called Youth Teaching Adults, the program offers free virtual workshops on a variety of topics – from learning how to video-chat to how to use the couponing app, Flipp. It pairs tech-savvy youth with adults hoping to improve their digital skills.

A collaboration between ABC Life Literacy Canada and Youth Empowering Parents, the program provides an opportunity for youth volunteers to build leadership skills, confidence, earn volunteer hours for high school and give back to the community.

Meanwhile, adult learners of all ages can develop the necessary skills to engage with computers, mobile devices and the internet safely, securely and effectively.

“We are excited to bring together youth tutors and adult learners for a rewarding intergenerational learning experience where both the tutor and adult will build confidence and skills,” says Mack Rogers, executive director for ABC Life Literacy Canada.

Anyone looking to share digital literacy education by bringing free programming to their community can host a virtual workshop. Each workshop typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, but the program is highly flexible and can be adapted to suit the participants’ needs.