WITH paper and pen ready, Bonna Joy Gaboya, 65, listened intently and took down notes on how to use a smartphone during the Smart Communications' "millennior" program for senior citizens in Cebu.
The term "millennoir" is a play on the words "millennial," known generally as tech-savvy and social media experts, and "senior" who want to know more about technology but are intimidated and need to be taught.
Gaboya was one of those who participated in the first of three Saturdays of training under the Smart program. In the first session held last April 7, she learned where to find the power button, volume control, microphone, camera, charging point and other features of a smartphone. She knew the meaning of touch screen, back and home. She connected via mobile data to reach Facebook.
The program, organized by the Philippine Association of Retired Persons (Parp), is sponsored by Smart Communications under its "#SmartMillenniors Program - Teach tech to your elders campaign." Other partners are the EduStudio and the Coalition for Better Education medal of excellence awardees.
These student-awardees taught "our lolos and lolas how to use their smartphones to bring them closer to their millennial apos," a post on the Smart Communities account on Facebook said.
The program will hold two more training sessions this Saturday, April 14, and next Saturday, April 21. Trainings are held at the Smart Communications offices in Mabolo, across the Carmelite Monastery.
Non-Parp senior citizens are welcome to attend but are required to seek confirmation of available slots by contacting Grace C. Ferreros, Parp national secretary, at 09987917351 or at graceferreros@gmail.com.
The Parp was organized on May 1, 1998, founded by Amado F. Cabaero, to "assist retirees and senior citizens in enjoying the benefits of their retirement and senior years." It aims to undertake activities and services to promote and uplift the "physical, mental, moral, spiritual, social, financial and economic well- being, esteem and interests of retired persons, as well as enhance the quality of their lives and dignity as human beings." (PR)