Coffee and computers

This is a volunteering case study where Highgate students help older residents with any technological issues they may have and/or help to improve their digital literacy and IT skills. This takes place in Highgate's library and runs a few times a term.

Aims

The aims of this volunteering project was to help older residents who may lack digital skills.

In an increasingly digital world they were vulnerable of being left behind and thus Highgate recognised the need to have such a community project. 

The critical factors for success was the recruitment of said residents and whether they would attend the scheme in general. However, the recruitment process was made easier through the advertisement of such a scheme.

The immediate beneficiaries of the project are the older residents. They developed technological literacy and became more confident in navigating and/or accessing things remotely. Also, these individuals could have gone on to help their friends and in doing so end up benefiting the wider elderly community.

Background

The project came about after Highgate's Community Action Group recognised the digital gap between the younger and older generation. They therefore identified the need to have provisions for the elderly to help them navigate a world that is becoming increasingly remote. 

This community volunteering project has been running currently for 5 years.

Resources

This project utilises Highgate library and IT, such as computers, tablets and laptops.

It uses the help of non-teaching staff- sixth formers- who regularly volunteer with around 5 attending each drop in.

There is no financial contribution, but the the providement of refreshment may count.

Impact

There are currently no formal assessments of the benefits of this activity.

Rather it's judged verbally by residents communicating that they have learnt new skills/ feel more confident accessing and navigating things independently.

In communicating with the residents we have learnt that they do. in fact, leave feeling more confident which is the intended purpose of this project.

Pupil Involvement

The pupils involved in delivering the project are sixth-formers, aged 16-18.

Frequency

This event aims to be twice termly and will continue for the foreseeable future.