Digital skills bring independence to senior citizens

Women’s Action for New Direction, in partnership with the Durban University of Technology, recently celebrated the successful completion of a five-week Introduction to Technology and Adult Basic Education and Training Workshop, which was facilitated by Astra Primary School.

The initiative forms part of WAND’s, DUT’s, and Lenovo’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide and restore independence, dignity, and confidence among older members of the community.

Training focused on everyday digital skills such as making phone calls, sending messages, using WhatsApp, browsing the internet, managing mobile data, and understanding online safety.

The graduation ceremony was held at DUT, marking a significant milestone in the lives of senior citizens who participated in the initiative.

Founder and director of WAND, Trey Catrina Naidoo, explained that the programme was specifically designed to empower older persons between the ages of 60 and 88 years by equipping them with essential literacy and technology skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world.

“As technology continues to advance rapidly, many senior citizens are often left behind due to limited access to training opportunities. Recognising this gap, WAND and DUT collaborated to create a learning environment that was inclusive, supportive, and empowering. The technology component of the programme was spearheaded by DUT’s head of department, Ebrahim Asmal, and his dedicated team, who introduced participants to basic digital skills and technological tools that can assist them in their daily lives. The ABET component was facilitated by WAND’s committed teachers, Khatija Kalil, Amina Solomons, and Natalie Chetty, who guided pupils through literacy and educational development sessions,” Naidoo said.

Kalil and Solomans strengthened participants’ literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring that learning remained holistic, relevant, and accessible. This integrated approach helped many seniors not only understand technology but also engage more confidently in daily life.

One of the graduates, Anjali Naidoo, aged 88, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. She shared that the programme had greatly benefited her, particularly in helping her understand and adapt to modern technology.

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“Technology is advancing so quickly, and often nobody takes the time to teach older people. I am grateful to WAND and DUT for giving us this opportunity to learn and grow,” she said.

The programme forms part of WAND’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that senior citizens remain empowered, informed, and included in today’s rapidly evolving society. By providing access to education and technology, WAND seeks to bridge the generational digital divide and promote lifelong learning among older adults.

Naidoo added, “Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Zakia Ebrahim, Omie Singh, and representatives from the Rising Sun Community Newspapers, all of whom commended the graduates for embracing learning and personal development later in life. DUT further demonstrated its commitment to the well-being and success of the graduates by generously sponsoring meals for the graduation celebration. This thoughtful gesture added to the joyous atmosphere of the event and ensured that graduates and guests could celebrate the occasion together in a warm and welcoming environment.”

As the graduates proudly received their certificates, they demonstrated that learning has no age limit and that empowerment through education remains one of the most powerful tools for building confident, independent, and connected communities.

Through initiatives such as this, WAND continues to champion dignity, inclusion, and lifelong learning for the elderly, ensuring that they remain active participants in an ever-changing world.

Ebrahim Asmal, head of department of information technology at DUT, highlighted that digital literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity in an increasingly connected world.

“Without such skills, many elderly individuals risk social isolation and dependency. The programme therefore aimed to provide more than just technical knowledge—it sought to foster independence and inclusion,” explained Asmal.

Jane Govindsamy of Lenovo SA, highlighted the critical role of academia, industry, and community organisations in addressing societal challenges, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly.

Asmal aptly concluded, “Empowering the elderly with digital skills not only transforms their lives but also strengthens families and communities – ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era.”