Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, has announced funding for four groups under the IT Generation program.The It Generation program is sponsored by Technology PEI and led by Future Tech West. It provides the means for groups to purchase equipment to maintain a functioning computer club.
In the past, the program has funded 29 youth groups across the province. In this funding round, the program was extended to include seniors.
The two senior's groups receiving funding are: Surfing Seniors in Kensington and the 409 Queen Street Seniors Club from Charlottetown.
The two youth groups receiving funding are: Youth in Action in Mt. Stewart and Kids Tech who will meet at "EasTech" in Cardigan.
"In the past, computer clubs have been a way for youth IT clubs to meet regularly within their communities and take part in group activities and exchange IT related ideas," said Minister Currie. "There has been a great deal of enthusiasm about this program among young people and I am pleased to see that seniors are also taking advantage of this opportunity."
Some activities that program participants have been involved in include Web page design and interaction with other organizations who can benefit from the group's IT knowledge and expertise.
While benefits for young people include job preparation and skills enhancement, seniors may wish to use their new IT skills to keep in touch with family and friends, troubleshoot technical problems or use their expertise to benefit service and volunteer groups.
Technology PEI is the Government of Prince Edward Island's lead agency in the development, adoption and use of information technologies in business and community in the province.