While many services have shifted online during the pandemic, many people have felt left behind and in need of support. That’s why Luke Castle founded the Keeping Digital Foundation, an organization that offers free digital skills lessons.
Luke Castle, the founder and co-founder of the Keeping Digital Foundation, which runs six pop-up digital cafes, said that his goal was to help those who feel “left behind.” Luke, who started the organization in primary school in York at the age of 20, currently teaches hundreds of people new digital skills.
In collaboration with the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, the organization focuses not only on teaching proper use of digital devices but also on helping people with online shopping and providing advice on avoiding internet scams. Castle said, “During the pandemic, many services moved online: banking, the NHS app, government services, local support.” He also said that a significant portion of the community was uncertain about using the internet and felt left behind. “That’s why we were here, to stand up for them and provide these contact-free services.”
The organization currently operates six digital cafes and helps hundreds of people develop digital skills. Castle said that the open sessions are attended by diverse individuals, some who are very tech-savvy and others who want to learn something new. “Some people have had the same phone their whole life, and now they have a new one and don’t know how to use it,” he said. Castle also believes that the sessions help people experiencing loneliness, and some come “for a coffee and a chat.”
Tom Lander, the Digital Inclusion Collaborative Joseph Rowntree Trust, said that loneliness experienced by some individuals was one of the factors that motivated the organization’s involvement in this program. “We noticed that with the rise of online services came a lot of isolation. We decided that as a housing association, we could support our residents by giving them access to internet services.”
Chris Cooke, who received help from one of the Keeping Digital Foundation volunteers during a recent session at New Earswick Folk Hall near York, said she has already learned new skills. “I had a file that I needed to ‘unpack,’ and I didn’t know how to do it,” she said. “It made me feel quite uncomfortable, and I had to ask others for help, so I thought coming here would be the answer.” She also added that it is helpful to be able to talk to someone and have a cup of coffee during the sessions.
Source: BBC News
FAQ:
1. What is Keeping Digital Foundation?
Keeping Digital Foundation is an organization founded by Luke Castle that offers free digital skills lessons.
2. What services does Keeping Digital Foundation provide?
The organization provides lessons on proper use of digital devices, helps with online shopping, and gives advice on avoiding internet scams.
3. Why was Keeping Digital Foundation founded?
The organization was founded to help those who feel “left behind” during the pandemic, as many services have moved online.
4. What are the benefits of participating in Keeping Digital Foundation sessions?
Participating in the sessions helps develop digital skills, assists individuals experiencing loneliness, and allows them to meet others and engage in conversations.
5. What topics are covered during Keeping Digital Foundation sessions?
The sessions cover various topics related to using digital devices, such as using mobile phones, unpacking files, and more.
Definitions:
1. Digital skills – the ability to use digital devices and perform various activities with them, such as using apps, making online purchases, etc.
2. Internet scams – practices that involve using the internet to deceive others, such as stealing personal data or transferring money.
Related links:
1. keepingdigital.org.uk – The official website of the Keeping Digital Foundation, where you can find more information about the organization and its activities.
The source of the article is from the blog lanoticiadigital.com.ar