Wishaw primary school kids have teamed up with elderly residents for a new digital project.
Pupils from Thornlie Primary School in Pather have buddied up with tenants at Drummond Drive Retirement Complex in a new intergenerational project to help improve digital skills.
North Lanarkshire Council’s project aims to educate older residents about digital technology through one-to-one training with young people.
With support from the Scottish Government’s Connecting Scotland programme, the council received 200 iPads and MiFi boxes which have been distributed to tenants in retirement complexes across the area.
In Wishaw, the pupils and tenants discussed periods of the older people’s lives, such as childhood memories, school life or favourite songs, before the pupils brought them to life on the iPads using their digital skills.
Drummond Drive tenant Tom Muir said: “I really enjoyed getting to know the young people, they really took the fear out of it and make the whole process more relaxed, it was very enlightening.
"They were so patient and tolerant; we had such a good laugh as well.”
P6 pupils from Thornlie Primary School who took part were Eden Arbuckle, Lily-Mae McInally, Brendan Clark and James Goodwin.
“I like working and talking with the residents at Drummond Drive,” said James. “We get to teach them new skills about using apps like Pic Collage.”
Amelia continued: “I just love it! Anne is so nice when we work together, and I can help her use her new iPad.”
“It is so welcoming when we go there,” added Lily-Mae. “It’s great to teach everyone how to use technology.”
Mrs Kirkland, class teacher at Thornlie Primary School, said: “It is so rewarding to see the children interact and use their skills to help others.
“They are developing their digital skills, while using their social skills to engage with another generation of learners.
"It has been a joy to watch. The children have been a credit to the school.”
“This project is an excellent example of the council’s commitment to improving the digital skills of local residents and pupils, helping everyone to access online services,” said Councillor Angela Campbell, NLC’s convener of the education, children and families committee.
“Everyone involved, young and old, has learned new skills as well as appreciating what they have in common and respecting each other.”
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