By ANGELO ARMBRISTER, Freeport News Reporter

angelo@nasguard.com

A single phone call birthed a monumental vision for a dynamic programme to equip senior citizens with the tools needed to work the computer and surf the net.

Known as SeniorNet, this innovative programme to enhance computer literacy among the elderly is being conducted at the Susan J. Wallace Community Centre and came from a collaboration between the City of Freeport District Council and the Retired Persons Association of Grand Bahama.

Speaking at a special launching ceremony on Thursday, Chief Councillor Anita Doherty said that the programme is just another effort that showcases the council's commitment to interact directly with the community. "We are attempting to create viable and holistic programmes that have long range goals relative to every segment of our community," she said. The programme runs every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when senior patrons are afforded the exclusivity of the centre's computer lab. "SeniorNet computer classes are designed to support and promote a peer to peer model to encourage our older adults to teach, assist and exchange knowledge with each other," she said. "SeniorNet is free of charge and is a remarkable addition to long-term developmental goals mapped out by our council, through its signature community centre." The council enlisted the services of Cheryl Hurst, a certified computer technician, to train the seniors.

Hurst volunteers at the centre to be a part of what she calls a worthwhile initiative.

"The retired persons demand a lot of time and what I hope to achieve is to get them comfortable using the computer," she said.

Noting that most of their interest lies in cooking and travel, Hurst said she want to get them Internet savvy as well so that they could download recipes and travel the world via the net.

"Right now they are working on their keyboard skills and that is basic and essential,' she said. Joan Hill-Cuffy, past president of the Retired Persons Association said that she feels the classes should be beneficial to all its participants.

Noting that it is the age of technology, Hill-Cuffy said that knowing the computer is the order of the day.

"The computer is the thing because no one writes any

more, they keep in touch through e-mail," she said.

"We are trying to keep ourselves updated and our minds active."

The Grand Bahama Port Authority leases the centre to the Council, which provides funding for its daily activities at $60,000 annually. The centre, formerly known as "Syntex Teen Centre,"was established in 2001 by the City of Freeport Council to provide a community centre for residents to enjoy free of charge. Adult and children's programmes such as etiquette, sewing, arts and craft, homework assistance, aerobics, tennis, basketball, volleyball, karate, first aid and CPR as well as children's and adult computer literacy are offered.