Thirteen proud senior citizens graduated from a computer course for beginners organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in partnership with the National Council on Older Persons and The College of The Bahamas.
Minister of State for Social Development the Hon. Loretta Butler-Turner commended the seniors for taking the computer classes that will broaden their lives and their world.
Mrs. Butler-Turner said to the graduates, “I want to read one of those line items on how to stay young, ‘Never let the brain get idle. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop and the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.’ Every time you learn something new the brain cells regenerate themselves.
“Think about the computer as the new form of reading, the new form of books.”
Assistant Professor at The College of The Bahamas and instructor of the course Dr. June Wilson explained that computer classes for senior citizens were launched over three years ago as a way to keep them active and permit them to continue their valuable roles in society.
For example, Dr. June said many churches in the country have ministries geared towards keeping in touch with students and other members living abroad.
So the training of seniors to email and search the internet allows them to communicate with members living away from home, therefore, actively participating within a ministry of the church.
Barbara Thurston, a graduate of the computer course said the former students learned the fundamentals of the computer.
“We can create our email address, send emails to our children, grandchildren, family and friends; we can also search the internet for information.
Mrs. Thurston added, “This is not the end, but the beginning of another road to success.”
The course began September 11 and ran for a period of six weeks. The graduates of the course are: Beryl Brown, Madeline Gray, Henrietta Lockhart, Barbara Thurston, Louise Thompson and Castella Bowleg, Jane Adderley, Ernestine Bethel, Fredricka Butler, Cynthia Musgrove, Leslie Sweeting, Vernencia Thompson and Gwendolyn Turner