1 June 2013 - Fifteen schools will participate in the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore's (IDA) one-of-a-kind Constituency Intergenerational IT Bootcamp which kicks off today, with a week-long schedule of bootcamps organised especially for senior citizens.
Singapore, 1 June 2013 | Immediate Release
Fifteen schools will participate in the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore's (IDA) one-of-a-kind Constituency Intergenerational IT Bootcamp which kicks off today, with a week-long schedule of bootcamps organised especially for senior citizens. Riding on last year's success at the Radin Mas Single Member Constituency where 100 seniors were taught computer skills, guided by their grandchildren or students, the Constituency Intergenerational IT Bootcamp this year is scaled further to encourage 300 seniors aged 50 & above, to learn infocomm skills.
The Intergenerational IT bootcamp is founded on a novel approach to remove barriers for seniors to pick up IT skills, by placing them in a comfortable environment which also promotes generational bonding. The IT bootcamps are usually co-organised within different schools of different constituencies at different timings. The idea of raising the Intergenerational IT bootcamp to a constituency level is to reach out, encourage and inspire more seniors and their peers to learn infocomm together, and reap the benefits of generational bonding. This programme is part of IDA's Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII), which is aimed at bridging the digital divide among senior citizens; through addressing differences in educational background, language and infocomm competencies. Launched in November 2007, this programme aims to promote IT awareness and literacy among senior citizens so that they can be actively engaged in the digital age.
Since 2010, 43 schools have co-organised 59 Intergenerational IT bootcamps at different times of the year for our senior citizens. This year will be the biggest IT bootcamp of its kind where fifteen schools, within the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (AMK GRC), in collaboration with the People's Association (PA) Active Ageing Council and Active Ageing Committees, will hold seventeen IT sessions from the 1st to 8th June 2013. Taught by students aged between ten to eighteen years, 300 active seniors from five community clubs within AMK GRC, and 300 students are expected to come together this year to learn and teach infocomm. The bootcamps are conducted in a bilingual format, English and Mandarin, to reach out to as many seniors as possible. The topics covered are:
- Basic Computer and Internet: An introduction for beginners;
- eEntertainment: An introduction to online music stations, YouTube and games;
- eHealth: Searching health tools online;
- Social Networking: A beginner's guide on Facebook; and
- TCM with a Twist: Searching traditional Chinese medicine information online.
Mr Ronnie Tay, IDA's Chief Executive Officer said, "This is the first time we are having seniors and students together on such a large scale to encourage mass infocomm learning across fifteen schools. As part of IDA's priority in achieving digital inclusion, we reach out to our seniors to raise infocomm literacy so that they too can enjoy the benefits of accessing technology. The bootcamp is meaningful as it not only teaches our seniors IT skills, and inspire our young towards lifelong learning."
Mr Seng Han Thong, Grassroots Adviser and MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, the Guest of Honour who visited three schools conducting the bootcamps on 1st June said, "I noted the active group learning among the seniors and the intergenerational bonding between the seniors and the youths at the bootcamps. The seniors are back to school to learn whereby the youth are back to school to share. Both groups enjoyed the process. The community will support this programme as this is definitely aligned with our continuous efforts to promote active ageing and lifelong learning among our seniors."
This programme has been well received by schools and seniors alike, and in 2012, was awarded the highest accolade in the "Innovations in Citizen Engagement and Dialogue," category under the prestigious Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) International Innovation Award for its contribution to the public service.
The list of schools with the Ang Mo Kio Constituency co-organising this bootcamp are:
- Anderson Primary School;
- Anderson Junior College;
- Ang Mo Kio Secondary School;
- Bowen Secondary School;
- Chong Boon Secondary School;
- Da Qiao Primary School;
- Hougang Primary School;
- Hougang Secondary School;
- Jing Shan Primary School;
- Mayflower Primary School;
- Presbyterian High School;
- Rosyth School;
- Teck Ghee Primary School;
- Xinmin Secondary School; and
- Yio Chu Kang Secondary School
ISSUED BY CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.
About PA Active Ageing Council
The People's Association Active Ageing Council (PA AAC) was formed on 1 January 2010 to champion the cause of active ageing, create a supportive environment for active ageing elements to flourish in grassroots programmes and cultivate the notion of active ageing from young. The intent is to permeate active ageing to all spectrums of the grassroots. The PA AAC together with the Active Ageing Committees in all 87 constituencies, through the PA Wellness Programme, encourages seniors to take charge of one's health through regular health screenings and to participate in community activities to remain physically, mentally and socially active.
For media clarification, please contact:
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Miss Zohria Nunis
Assistant Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Tel: +65 6211 3874
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: zohria_nunis@imda.gov.sg
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