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January 2024

Bridging Generations at Pasadena Village’s IT CAFE

By Michelle Chiu
Posted: 12/19/2024

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, it’s often our older generations who find themselves feeling overwhelmed by the latest gadgets and applications. However, a recent program at the Pasadena Village showcased an inspiring collaboration between high school students and seniors, bridging the digital divide in a fun and engaging way.

This unique event, dubbed "IT Cafe," invited not only the Pasadena Villagers, but also seniors from the community to bring their smartphones, iPads, and laptops for a hands-on troubleshooting session. The turnout was phenomenal, with a diverse group of seniors eager to enhance their tech skills and/or get their technological problems resolved.  A group of high school volunteers from Polytechnic, plus some community volunteers, stepped up, ready to share their knowledge and patience, and together, they transformed the intimidating world of technology into a friendly learning environment.

Upon arrival, older adults were matched with student volunteers, creating a personalized experience tailored to address individual issues. From logging on to an email account and navigating social media, to optimizing device settings and utilizing online resources, the students were equipped with the ability to tackle a variety of concerns. The vibrant energy in the room was palpable as laughter and encouragement filled the space, breaking down communication barriers and fostering genuine connections.  One volunteer even helped a Villager set up her vacation photo album on Shutterfly!

Another notable interaction involved a participant who had recently purchased an iPad but struggled to understand its features. With the help of a spirited high school volunteer, they navigated the user interface together. By the end of the session, not only did the adult feel empowered in using their device, but they also walked away with newfound confidence to connect with family and friends through video calls and messaging apps.

Feedback from participants highlighted how fruitful the session was. Many seniors expressed gratitude for the patience and clear explanations provided by the students. “It’s amazing what I’ve learned today,” remarked one participant. “I had no idea I could do so much on my phone! This was a wonderful experience.”

From the volunteers' perspective, the experience was equally rewarding. They discovered the joy of giving back to the community and appreciated the wisdom that their adult counterparts offered. Many volunteers emphasized how much they enjoyed the opportunity to help others and realized that teaching could be just as beneficial as learning.

The success of the IT Cafe’s event illustrates the power of intergenerational relationships. By facilitating knowledge sharing in this manner, both seniors and students not only gained technical skills but also enriched their understanding of each other’s worlds. With technology continually advancing, initiatives like these are essential for ensuring that no one gets left behind.

This heartwarming event concluded with promises of future sessions, signaling a commitment to ongoing digital literacy programs offered by the Pasadena Village. As both communities look forward to more collaborative efforts, it’s clear that such partnerships hold the key to bridging generations and enhancing community bonds through technology.

Executive Director Katie Brandon shared, “We just had a participant, Beth, come in to show us the photo book she made. She said she came to the IT Cafe to find out how to print a photo book and Will, one of the volunteers, patiently sat with her and showed her how to upload her photos and design a book. Her book just shipped to her home and she is so happy to have the memories from her trip in a printed book!”

IT Cafes are only possible through the dedication of the volunteers, as well as community support from a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of South Pasadena, and Forest Lawn Mortuary. Due to continued support and demand, the next IT Cafe is scheduled for January 25.