A $25,000 technology grant is expected to strengthen ICT skills and understanding among seniors and culturally and linguistically diverse groups in the Cities of Monash and Kingston, south east of Melbourne.
The Department of Planning and Community Development provided the funding through its community ICT skills grants program.
It will fund IT training sessions run through the Strengthening Clayton and Clarinda Project, a local community development initiative.
More than 250 people are expected to take part in computer lessons at the Clarinda Community Centre, Clayton Community Centre, Sundowner Community Centre and other locations.
Participants will use a mobile laptop system to gain a better understanding of technology and its availability in local community facilities.
Monash Mayor Stefanie Perri said Clayton and Clarinda residents would be able to get online and build their e-skills.
“The Strengthening Clayton and Clarinda project identified the need to provide local learning opportunities using computers, internet and the like. This funding is a move towards meeting that need for local residents.
“Technology is becoming more and more commonplace in our lives and we don’t want to see people fall behind, simply because they aren’t 100 per cent sure how to best use the internet and other technology available to them.”
The Strengthening Clayton and Clarinda project focuses on communication and learning, community wellbeing, safety, access and amenity in the built and natural environments, recreation and leisure.
Kingston Mayor John Ronke said there was a digital divide in the community.
“This project aims to make modern technologies more accessible to a wider range of people who cannot otherwise afford it.”
Volunteers from the Monash Volunteer Resource Centre will be taught how to deliver the ICT training sessions.
