Minister of Labour Pearnel Charles Jnr has commended the senior citizen participants of the Get Connected digital literacy programme for their courage and commitment to embracing digital literacy.

Currently, 46 senior citizens from the Corporate Area are participating in the second round of the computer literacy training programme.

Under the first phase, conducted last September, 37 senior citizens from Montego Bay in St. James were trained.

The initiative, led by the National Council for Senior Citizens, is aimed at enhancing the digital skills of Jamaicans aged 60 years and older.

The Council has strengthened its partnership with the HEART / NSTA Trust to extend the reach of digital literacy training to Kingston and St. Andrew and this phase will run for up to 12 weeks.

During a visit to one of the training sessions yesterday, Mr. Charles Jnr noted that the programme is part of efforts to equip seniors with essential skills for navigating the digital world and bridging gaps in Jamaica’s digital literacy standards.

He also encouraged the seniors to make recommendations on how the ministry and the council can better serve the senior citizen community.

The minister urged participants, especially those involved in senior citizen groups, to write to the council, and provide feedback on policies, critical issues, and necessary programme developments that will improve the lives of Jamaica’s seniors.

The council is exploring offering additional training opportunities in several other subject areas, in a bid to empower seniors with valuable skills that will contribute to personal development and economic independence.