In our ongoing mission to bridge the digital divide, Community Tech Network continues to witness inspiring stories of transformation. Today, we bring you an interview with Moc Quach, a 63-year-old resident of San Rafael, California, who embraced the opportunity to enhance his digital skills through CTN’s Home Connect Program.
He meets virtually each week with his instructor, Giang (Jen) Tran in order to attend one-on-one technology courses, taught from his home and in his preferred language, Vietnamese. In this post, Moc shares some of the benefits that the internet has had on his life.
Digital Skills for Income and Well-Being
Expressing a practical approach to his newfound skills, Moc revealed, “Sometimes I use the internet to find jobs near my house to make some extra income and to keep myself busy and mentally healthy, especially at my old age.”
Impact on Health and Daily Living
Emphasizing the positive impact of being online on his overall health and daily living, Moc shared, “Now I can see my appointments and messages from my doctor online. I can also find my medical history and prescriptions easier.”
Joy in Learning
When asked about the impact of learning digital skills on his life, Quach shared, “It has brought a lot of joy to me because I got to learn new skills to keep my mind sharp and connect with friends and family better.”
Keeping Up With World Affairs
“Everything happening around the globe is broadcasted online. Thanks to the internet, I can also stay updated with what’s going on in the world,” Moc said. Seeking to stay relevant and engaged, Moc acknowledged the necessity of acquiring digital skills.
Self-Sufficiency
Reflecting on his classes, Moc revealed, “My favorite parts were learning new skills to socialize and troubleshoot online. After the training, I can navigate around the internet more independently.”
Entertainment
While the main thing that Moc watches online is the news, he also frequently uses YouTube and Facebook, among other things, when seeking online entertainment.
Digital Literacy as a Key to Daily Life
In conclusion, Moc underlined the critical importance of digital literacy. “Everything is now done online: news, social networking, shopping, Uber. … so it’s very important to learn some online skills to function well in today’s world.”
He also encourages other older adults to sign up for the program, “because it will benefit them significantly as they will learn online skills and stay more connected with the world.”
Moc Quach’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of digital literacy, transcending age and cultural backgrounds. As CTN continues to empower individuals like Moc, we look forward to more stories of growth, connection, and empowerment. Stay tuned for more updates on our mission to make the digital world accessible to all.
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