Residents take part in IT taster course

Last week, Genesis Community, the charitable arm of Genesis Housing Association, organised a series of IT taster courses for groups of residents living in supported schemes in west London. The course was intended to help those residents who struggle to use their laptops or have never used a computer.

Jane, one Genesis resident who took part in the course after being referred by Genesis’ Tenant Support Team, told Genesis Community that although she had been interested in finding out about computers she had not felt confident enough to join a computer course at her local Library. On joining the taster course Jane and other class members quickly warmed to the relaxed and helpful attitude of their trainer from Wise Owls, a company that specialises in offering training and job opportunities for the over 50s age group. 

Jane had progressed enough to set up her own hotmail account, send emails to the trainer and Genesis Community by the end of the course. She described the course as “good fun, they taught me about emailing and how to type with two hands. Now I go down the library and spend about an hour.”

Jane and other class members also took part in a voluntary Literacy and Numeracy course and were awarded with certificates and a party to celebrate completing the course. A second beginner’s course will be run in mid January, which due to the success of the first is already over subscribed. The graduates will volunteer to assist and teach the next round of students.

Bob Butler, Community Development officer at Genesis said: “I was so pleased to be part of the event we held to celebrate the first I.T. taster course at 192.  Residents from the morning and afternoon classes were able to meet up for the first time and talk informally to the trainer and organisers and gave their honest feedback whilst enjoying the Christmas buffet provided. I think a couple of new friendships were made as I noticed several people exchanging phone numbers and email addresses. ”

-ends-

For more information contact Stephanie Basten, 0207 563 0048 or stephanie.basten@GenesisHA.org.uk

Genesis owns or manages homes across London and the south east for thousands of people. As one of the most diverse housing groups in the UK, Genesis’ main aim is to provide great services, great homes, great places and great opportunities for its customers.