Connecting Elders through Youth Mentorship
in the Kivalliq Region
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Friday, September 17, 2021
For Immediate Release
Connected Elders and Youth is an intergenerational digital literacy program developed by HelpAge Canada, with support from Pinnguaq Association and Connected Canadians. Uniquely designed for Nunavummiut in the Kivalliq region, the program pairs youth and Elders to support Elders in building digital literacy skills for connecting with friends and family. As part of the custom education program, 250 tablets with accompanying data plans are provided to program participants and employees.
This program is created for the seven communities of the Kivalliq region of Nunavut and has already expanded to the Hamlet of Clyde River in Nunavut’s Baffin region. Training will prepare the youth for their teaching roles. Learning modules are unique to northern life and encompass Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the Inuit principles for societal values.
Program delivery commences September 2021 and will focus on building essential digital skills like navigating tablet settings and menus, searching on the internet, using applications and digital photography. Connected Elders and Youth is currently recruiting 22 youth in the Kivalliq communities for paid internship to support Elders’ digital skills learning. Elders are encouraged to register for the program which will be delivered on a weekly schedule in a group setting. Upon program completion, graduates will enter a draw to be able to keep a tablet. This program is available for youth employment and Elder participation is Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet, Naujaat, and Clyde River.
For more information, contact jennie@pinnguaq.com or call Pinnguaq’s Iqaluit Makerspace at 867-979-2509.
This program has been developed in collaboration by leading non-profit organizations:
HelpAge Canada works in partnership with communities and other organizations to improve and maintain the quality of life of vulnerable older persons and their communities in Canada and around the world, with a vision where all older persons will lead secure, healthy, active and dignified lives.
Pinnguaq Association works alongside rural, remote, and Indigenous in the development of STEAM skills. They support program delivery and the intersection of cultural knowledge in the teachings of technology.
Connected Canadians was consulted during program development; ensuring that learning modules are best suited for older adult learners in a technology context.
For more information, contact:
Nicole Perry
HelpAge Canada | Director, National Programs
Direct: 613.232.0727 x.3 | Toll free 1.800.648.1111
Email: nperry@helpagecanada.ca
www.helpagecanada.ca
https://helpagecanada.ca/canada/digital-literacy/connected-elders-and-youth/
Greg Picken
Pinnguaq Association | Senior Lead, Communications
Direct: 519.857.4734
Email: gpicken@pinnguaq.com
www.pinnguaq.com