Digital Literacy for Lifelong Participation 

Manuel Castro, 83 years old, is originally from Spain but has lived in Australia for 63 years. Manuel recalls technology was part of life before he retired in 2008 but says as it advanced and was used more everywhere he began to struggle. He found himself excluded from the digital world. Technology isn’t something he grew up with, and he knew he needed help to be able to navigate using it, so he decided to do some computing classes at Yarraville Community Centre.  

Manuel’s classes focused on practical skills like basic typing, sending and receiving email, online banking, downloading documents, and using the computer for everyday tasks. The Learn Local learning environment meant he had hands-on support from his teacher, as well as his peers.  He says his teacher, Jason, delivers practical, confidence-building training suitable for adult learners and older Australians. Manuel comments that he’s also been able to form friendships in his class, which has helped him feel more connected socially.  

He feels proud to be able to say he has moved from Digital Literacy 1 to Digital Literacy 2 – the course he is currently doing. For Manuel, learning how to download, send attachments, navigate banking online, and make appointments online have all helped him in his day-to-day life. Manuel now feels he can be more independent in the digital world we live in today and hopes to continue developing his digital skills.