St Brigid’s and Newmains Primary Schools collaborated with St Brigid’s Senior Citizens Club on our latest intergenerational digital project
This award-winning project, delivered through the council’s Driving Digital Locally initiative, brings generations together to improve digital skills among older adults while helping young pupils develop vital communication and social skills.
This is the first time since the initiative launched that two schools have come together to deliver the four-week digital session, and Provost Kenneth Duffy visited to congratulate everyone involved.
During the weekly sessions, the senior citizen and pupils engaged in lively discussions using iPads, supporting the older residents to navigate the digital world with confidence.
The pupils, in turn, gained valuable experience in patience, and interpersonal communication, learning how to teach and support the senior tenants in a respectful and engaging way.
The project also provided the opportunity for both schools to collaborate, building positive relationships among pupils and staff, and ensuring that all adults were fully equipped with the knowledge to support the project’s success.
St. Brigid’s Primary School class teacher, Miss Ciara McAleavy, said: “Participating in this four-week project was highly rewarding and has strengthened the relationship between the school and the wider community.
“The children gained a great deal from each session, as did the adults who attended. Hopefully, this initiative could be offered more frequently, as it provided meaningful opportunities for growth and collaboration.
“It was also wonderful to meet the adults involved and to engage in valuable conversations about their work and life with various charities and organisations. These discussions have opened exciting opportunities for the future.”
Willie McCann, Newmains born and bred, was one of the senior learners who took part in the sessions and he said: “Spending time with the children was inspiring, they were in their element, showing us tips on phones and iPads. Their enthusiasm helped us older adults overcome our fear of using technology. If there is an opportunity to take this to the next level, we would love to be involved.”
During his visit, Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “We are delighted to see our elderly tenants thriving with their new digital skills. This project has not only empowered them but also strengthened the bonds within our community. As a result, our senior residents are now more connected and engaged with the digital world, enhancing their quality of life.”
