Senior Citizens Complete Digital Literacy Programme

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says 283 senior citizens have completed the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and HEART/NSTA Trust Digital Literacy Programme, so far.

“We have a target of 400 by the end of 2026. On October 1 (International Day of Older Persons), 112 senior citizens are expected to graduate with HEART/NSTA Trust certification through the programme,” the Minister shared.

He was speaking at Wednesday’s (September 23) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, as he gave an update on Senior Citizens’ Month.

Mr. Charles Jr. emphasised that the programme is critical as it gives seniors the ability to protect themselves in a digital age.

“It’s not just about the ability to navigate the device; it is the ability to comprehend the various things that you will confront when you’re using your device,” he pointed out.

Mr. Charles Jr. noted that with the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence (AI), and other innovation, it becomes even harder sometimes for people to decipher what is real and what is fake.

“So, when our senior citizens are more comfortable and confident and understand how to utilise the Internet, how to protect themselves when they’re on the devices, they have a better ability to pick up issues and to ask questions, and they’re more confident in protecting themselves,” the Minister detailed.

He urged citizens to encourage their parents and grandparents to register for the Digital Literacy Programme.

The programme, which began in St James and the Kingston and St Andrew region, has expanded to St Catherine, St Mary, Portland, Trelawny, St Ann and Clarendon.

For seniors who are unable to access the programme, Minister Charles Jr. urged their family members to engage them in a programme at home.