‘Nobody is left behind’ - Longford women gain confidence from LWETB computer course

The Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board’s Community Education has something for everyone; from the curious learner eager to absorb new skills such as operating a smartphone or laptop, to the hobbyist seeking to expand their creative talents in flower arranging and pottery.

It offers formal and informal education for hard-to-reach adults - who often live in isolated rural areas - in non-threatening environments facilitated by knowledgeable and friendly tutors.

Few know this better than the Drumlish Hill Club, which meets every Wednesday in Drumlish Community Centre between 10.30am and 12.30pm for a computer skills and digital literacy course.

Anybody can take part, regardless of whether they have their own laptop or not, as the course is fully funded by the LWETB (Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board), which provides Microsoft Surface Go laptops to participants for hybrid learning.

Participants who want to work with their own laptop are also free to do so.

PICTURED: Dr Kathleen Duffy was a newcomer to the course in Drumlish

The computer course has been underway since Easter and covers practical skills such as how to type, accessing the internet, searching for the day’s weather information, and creating an email account.

These skills allow participants to access information which makes their daily lives easier, and fosters independence in an increasingly digital world.

But learning is not the only focus of the course; participants also see it as a social gathering to look forward to, where they can catch up with their friends and have a cup of tea while learning together.

Reporter Mary McFadden attended the course to experience the benefits of Community Education first-hand.

When I arrived at Drumlish Community Centre to sit in on the day’s course, I noticed the welcoming atmosphere straight away; nine members of Drumlish Hill Club had gathered in the kitchen where the course takes place to prepare plates of biscuits, buttered soda bread and cups of tea. The room was full of laughter and chat and I had a cup of steaming tea in hand within a minute of sitting down.

I was informed it was a ritual that took place before every class so participants have time to settle in and feel comfortable before the day’s learning.

I quickly realised I wasn’t the only newcomer there, as an 86-year-old lady had joined the group for the first time that morning.

Dr Kathleen Duffy, who brought her own laptop, explained how she had previously written and typed a book on the device years prior, but had since “lost all skills”.

Kathleen, who said she took time away from learning to care for family members, said, “I’m coming back now to myself.”

Several of the participants spoke about how they had found computers intimidating before undertaking the course, and have now gained confidence in their digital skills.

Breda O’Neill, who is in her 60s, said, “At a time I was afraid to use email and now I’m not afraid.”

Community educator, Leann Halligan, explained that a focus on online safety and cyber crime is emphasised to ensure participants can protect themselves from spam and fraudsters.

This includes warning participants against clicking on suspicious emails, and advising the deletion of anything that might be a scam.

PICTURED: Participants get to grips with their new IT skills

“The course is learner-based,” Leann explained, “We follow what the girls want to do.

“This group is full of very quick learners, they’re picking things up easily, things that help in their everyday lives.”

According to Leann, people often favour the environment created within the course because there are no exams and learning goes at the pace of each participant.

She said, “If somebody doesn’t understand the first time, we can do it again and again until they do, it’s no problem. Nobody is left behind.”

Participants said they were very impressed with Leann’s ability to explain how to do things, and more than one person commented on her patience.

She was described as “really excellent” and “so patient” by members of the group, many of whom spoke highly of a beauty course which is also facilitated by Leann.

I observed her easy-to-understand instructions firsthand, as she showed everyone how to set up an email address from scratch and explained the reasoning behind each step.

According to Leann, the group is aiming to publish a book about their experiences with Community Education by Christmas, with recipes, prayers and paintings from members set to be included.

“The girls will type it up and it will be printed by the LWETB,” Leann said.

PICTURED: Community educator Leann Halligan and our reporter Mary McFadden

Speaking about her experience learning through LWETB courses, Romie Wallace, who is one of the founders of the Drumlish Hill Club, said, “We love it, we love learning new skills. It gives us more confidence, and we also learn valuable tips from other people in the group as well.”

Romie spoke fondly of another member of the group, who wasn’t present on the day I attended, and how she found a talent for painting after trying it for the first time.

She said, “I’m so happy to see people discovering new talents.”

I found myself also feeling happy to see people discovering skills they didn’t know they had, and improving and building on what they do know.

In my view, the course is vital for anyone who wants to navigate independently in today’s society, which is frequently moving away from paper communication to solely online options.

The ladies in the course agreed, having noticed ongoing changes over the past few years.

In saying that, with their continued learning and an excellent tutor to guide them, I feel they are well on their way to being prepared for anything the future throws at them.

All different groups can take part in LWETB courses, with past participants including those with special needs and people with literacy issues.

You can learn everything from cookery skills to photography and even basic skills like reading and writing, and everyday maths.

If you would like to try a course and improve your skills in a small-class environment while meeting new people in your community, or for any enquiries relating to Further Education and Training, please call 044 9342111, email fet@lwetb.ie or visit www.lwetb.ie/fet. 

MAIN IMAGE CAPTION: Left to right: Breda O’Neill; Dr Kathleen Duffy; Marian Cafferty; Anne Byrne; Romie Wallace; Celine Lennon; Gabrielle Cawley; Irene McNally; Leann Halligan; Christine Carson