Yesterday marked a graduation ceremony with a difference, when seven aged care residents celebrated the completion of the WEA Hunter Tech Savvy Seniors Program.

Centenarian Harry Bennett and six fellow Anglican Care Jesmond Grove Hostel residents donned trenchers, robes and big smiles of achievement as they attended their official graduation ceremony.

In June these seniors commenced the Tech Savvy Seniors Program to learn about and use today’s digital technologies.

The program focussed on improving a range of skills from general computer usage such as typing and using standard applications, to surfing the internet, Google, YouTube, Facebook and emailing.

“The ceremony recognised the achievements of our senior graduates in becoming technologically savvy at such remarkable ages,” Anglican Care Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Volunteer Coordinator Jane Meldrum said.

“They will be able to keep in contact with loved ones as well as keep their minds active, which is important to them all.”

While Harry Bennett’s vision isn’t at its best at 101 years of age, his enthusiasm helped him to make the most of the program and develop his typing skills. Now a graduate, Harry has written letters and a poem to demonstrate his newly accomplished abilities.

Other graduates have realised their skills and interests throughout the program as well. George Wright, former Administrator of Anglican Care (1968 to 1980), now utilises YouTube to enjoy his new love of Guy Sebastian’s music, whilst Kathleen Spruce has created an email address to communicate with her sons regularly.

WEA Hunter is an not-for-profit adult education organisation established in 1913, currently operating from three premises in the Hunter region

Pictured  | Harry Bennett receiving his Certificate of Participation from Anglican Care CEO Colin Osborne