Today, things like booking appointments online, sending emails, using government services, and checking health information are part of daily life. But for some older adults, as more services move online, even a small smartphone screen can feel like a hidden obstacle.
Chung Wah Community Care’s (CWCC) Digital Skills Program is all about helping older people use technology so they can be more independent, enjoy more convenience, and stay connected in their daily lives.
With support from Good Things @GoodThingsFoundationAU, CWCC started its latest four-week program on 14 July at the Willetton Community Hub, part of CWCC Evergreen College. Sixteen people joined in. The course focused on useful digital skills for daily life, guiding everyone step by step through tasks like changing language settings in Google Chrome, using email, setting up a myGov account, and linking services like Centrelink and Medicare to myGov.
“I’m so glad I learned how to use myGov in this computer class,” one participant shared. “Now I can manage many things when I need to, without having to visit a government office in person.”
Another participant said that they used to rely on family members for many daily tasks, but now they can handle more of these on their own.
These changes might look small, but they show something important about digital inclusion. As we rely more on technology, being able to “do it myself” is not just about learning a new skill. It can bring more independence, more choices, and the confidence to handle daily life in your own way.
That’s why CWCC’s Digital Skills Program is about more than just showing older people where to tap on a phone or what to click on a computer. The program helps build confidence with technology, so participants can stop worrying about making mistakes and start feeling comfortable trying new things and learning on their own.
Personal guidance is a key part of this journey. Volunteers and facilitators patiently help each participant through every step, so everyone can learn and practice at their own pace without feeling rushed.
Learning digital skills has brought another important benefit: human connection. The classroom is now a place where older people can make new friends, share daily experiences, and feel more connected to the community. As one participant said, meeting new people was one of their favourite parts of the course.
At the end of the four-week program, CWCC held a graduation ceremony to celebrate everyone’s achievements. The certificates showed they finished the course, but the real success was the journey from “I don’t know how” to “Let me give it a try,” and finally, “I can do this myself.”
With its ongoing Digital Skills Program, CWCC Evergreen College hopes to open new doors for community members. Every new skill learned is a small but meaningful step toward a more independent, confident, and connected life.
