Grandma goes digital - Seniors celebrate milestone in literacy training

At 71 years old, Theresa Chin Yee has lived through Jamaica's technological evolution, from lining up at pay phones, tapping away on flip phones, to watching her granddaughter scroll effortlessly on a smartphone.

Last week, Chin Yee joined 58 other seniors in a proud moment as they graduated from the National Digital Literacy Programme, proving that age is no barrier to keeping up with the times.

"I will not be left behind," she declared, her voice firm and her certificate in hand.

Digital literacy - the ability to use technology to find, evaluate and share information - is now considered an essential life skill. From paying bills and applying for jobs to accessing healthcare and staying in touch with family overseas, more daily tasks depend on being comfortable online. Yet for many Jamaican seniors, who grew up long before the Internet, the digital shift can be intimidating. The government's programme aims to close that gap by giving older citizens the tools to navigate today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

The programme, a partnership between the National Council for Senior Citizens and the HEART/NSTA Trust, was staged under the theme 'Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect' as a highlight of Senior Citizens' Month 2025. For many of the participants, including Chin Yee, it was the first time they felt confident sitting at a computer.

"I was one of those who was afraid to touch the computer because I didn't want to touch the wrong key. I always say I'm going to mash it up," she admitted.

YEARS IN BANKING AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Chin Yee worked more than 20 years in banking and human resources, when typewriters ruled the office and staff only used desktops prepared by technicians.

"Everything was set up for you. You did not have to go searching for anything," she said. "When I retired, I forgot everything about computer. I couldn't believe it. I never used a laptop and I couldn't even turn one on."

Chin Yee has witnessed every turn in Jamaica's technological journey. But it was her church duties that finally pushed her to sign up.

"I wanted to learn to use the computer because I am involved at church and sometimes I have to get documents ready. I felt out of place and I said, 'No, I have to learn'. That was the drive to help myself." Her first assignment remains unforgettable.

"We were asked to create a rent receipt and I was able to do that and save it in a file folder. I found that very exciting, and then to search back to it and find it," she said. Since then, her habits have transformed.

"I really don't go into banks any more. I do my banking online, I pay my bills, I top up my phone; everything I do online now," she explained.

Her digital leap has also turned into a family affair as her granddaughter was teaching her and learning simultaneously.

"And when she didn't know how to create files, I was able to show her. Knowledge is power, and when you know, you are confident," said Chin Yee.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr hailed the seniors as pioneers.

"This programme affirms that seniors are never to be left behind, particularly in the digital age. Rather, you are brought forward, you are equipped, you are included," he said. He urged them to keep practising and to use their skills as a lifeline.

For Chin Yee, the lessons extend beyond convenience. With her banking background, she knows how to spot scams.

"I do get a few of those calls and I know when it is not authentic. I don't think my other peers know, though, so I was able to teach them and impart my knowledge." But she acknowledged that there is more to learn, for example, she said she would love to learn PowerPoint.

"I have a fair knowledge of Excel, but I want to go further. I have to continue to practise and continue to learn any new technology that is coming in. I want to be on board with it," she said.

"Knowledge is power, and when you know, you are confident," she added.