Nine Graduate from Hardeman County Program Bridging Digital Divide

Last week, nine Hardeman County older adults completed 15 hours of computer training through Southwest Human Resources Agency (SWHRA) Tech Helps program. The participants, who ranged in age from 60 to 86, were trained in the use of Chromebooks. Upon completion of the training, they were able to take the Chromebooks home as their own.

All nine participants shared doubt and uncertainty at the beginning of the classes but finished confident and ready to continue tackling the digital divide. They started out learning how to set up their Chromebooks, connect to the internet, and login into or create Google accounts. Further training helped them understand internet safety, email usage, exploring the digital world, and the many features of their Chromebooks. After completing the class, one participant e-mailed the instructor excited about having accomplished her first online bill payment.

Instructors for the SWHRA Tech Helps program are volunteers. Hardeman County instructor Bob Williamson, also an older adult, enjoyed the opportunity to work with community members eager to learn and improve their lives.

“All too often, improving life is prevented by closed minds and unwillingness to change among individuals and community leadership.” said Mr. Williamson, “It was pleasing and rewarding to work with and be appreciated by individuals and leadership with open minds, and a want to improve lives. Knowledge and experience are among the very few things in life that can be given and kept at the same time.”

Southwest Human Resource Agency received a $400,000 grant from the West End Home Foundation to help bridge the digital divide for Tennesseans, age 60 and older, living in the counties of Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, and McNairy. The Hardeman County class was the first under the SWHRA Tech Helps grant program with more to follow.

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