Are you unable to use the computer or the internet, but would like to? If so, then the BenefIT4 programme is for you. The Department of Communications provides grants for community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations or service providers to run the BenefIT4 course, which aims to get more people online. These providers include Irish Rural Link, Age Action, the Irish Wheelchair Association and some education and training boards.

The course is run all over the country, having reached as far as Tory and the Arranmore islands.

The programme generally consists of at least eight hours, over several weeks and has two components – a core curriculum and an elective selected by trainees from a menu of options.

In the core section, the programme has to cover at least two of the following: sending and receiving an email, using a search engine, conducting a simple online transaction, using a social networking site and using an online television site or podcast facility. Irish Country Living spoke to two course participants about their experience.

Sonny O’Brien

80-year-old Sonny participated in the computer training course in Lackagh, Co Galway

“I trace my original reluctance to participate in the training to fear. To think that somebody who graduated from an inkwell and nib in Annagh National School, many decades ago, could be introduced to the world of computers, did not appear realistic. Today, I also have a fear, but it is of what I would have missed out on if I had not availed of this wonderful opportunity. My first reaction was that this could be just a hobby. I gradually saw the horizons broaden and while it still has an element of entertainment, it is now an absolute necessity in my day. The activities are too many to mention them all. I will just mention a few. Some months ago our family suffered a double bereavement in the US. Email was a vital link to keeping in touch with family in those dark days. The support that it allows us to extend to each other in post bereavement is wonderful. Skype is such a wonderful facility to participate in all situations, both happy and sad.

“I am chairperson of our community alert and email is essential for this, not a hobby. Even though at this stage my banking and online purchases are not a huge part of my life, it is a big advantage to have this facility. My bank surprised me with their enthusiasm to get me organised. The message I took from that was that this is the way life is going. We have the option of getting prepared or being left behind. As I explore the world of the internet, I am stunned by the bottomless well of knowledge that is available on every topic one can think of. To merely say that my training in the world of computers has given me a broader vision of life is an understatement. I avail of any opportunity that comes my way and encourage others who graduated from the inkwell era that they too can have this experience.

“In addition to her detailed knowledge of her subject, our class tutor Geraldine Delaney has the special skill of being able to communicate patiently and effectively, and with much encouragement for my age group.”

Kitty Flynn

Kitty from Kilbeggan,

Co Westmeath, is over 80 years old

“I am a long-standing member of the Kilbeggan Active Retirement Group. We were delighted to avail of the BenefIT programme. Over four sessions, the two excellent tutors gave us an introduction to online payments, accessing and using the RTÉ Player, how to use and play CDs and DVDs, Skype and how to access and use the 2001 and 2011 censuses. Learning Skype was the most interesting part, as we had a practical session during which our group was divided between two rooms to see it actually working. What I found most rewarding was the session using the census.

“I am a member of the local historical society and in 2001 was instrumental in carrying out a survey of an old local graveyard with the assistance of an archaeology expert from NUI Galway. We gathered the data from all of the gravestones and published it online and for the local library.

“Only very recently, I was contacted by the librarian in Mullingar who had received a letter from a lady in Tasmania saying how she had discovered her grandfather’s burial place in our online data. This was a wonderful reward for our efforts.

“I have since researched the lady’s family in Ireland, out of personal interest. This, for me, has been the interesting and rewarding aspect of the BenefIT4 program, which I highly recommend to everyone.”

• For more information, contact Irish Rural Link on 090-64-82744 or visit www.irishrurallink.ie