The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital technology in staying connected.
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Therefore, a group of Illawarra year 10 students volunteered their time to guide seniors as they explored the use of their phones, iPads and laptops.
Student Poppy Calder, 14, said she enjoyed helping other people with the skills she has grown up with.
"We're born with technology at our fingertips," she said. "It's nice to be able to help other people with these skills.
"I didn't get to see grandparents during COVID restrictions, my grandma was very sick. I miss them a lot, so this has been a way to connect with the older generation."
Students and seniors have trialed the new program, CROSS+GEN, which is aimed at bridging the gap between generations and imparting knowledge about technology.
CatholicCare Wollongong teamed up with students from Corpus Christi High School, Oak Flats and Fr Joe Nguyen of All Saints Parish Shellharbour to trial the free program.
The seniors learned how to connect to Wi-Fi, take and share photos with family, use social media, download apps, scan QR codes, use Skype and much more.
Senior participant Michelle Thomas, 76, said the support from students created a non-threatening environment for the older people to learn how to use technology.
"We've connected over a few topics," she said.
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"The students are very patient with us. They're not doing it for us, they are demonstrating, observing, and helping to empower us with the skills."
David Gearin, Corpus Christi education officer said the program enabled a "classic exchange of gifts which empowers seniors and helps students to feel the value of giving their time and skills".
CatholicCare director Michael Austin said both CatholicCare and the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong looked forward to expanding this program to other regions for the benefit of seniors and youth, regardless of cultural or religious background.
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