That’s why the team at Te Puke Library and Service Centre had the brainwave to offer free computer lessons through the Stepping UP Programme in partnership with 20/20 Trust.

Classes are held in the Te Puke Library where groups of six students each have a laptop to work on and, under tutor Mike Gardner’s (pictured right) tuition, learn basic computing skills including how to use Excel, how to create a Word document, how to send emails, upload or download files, and how to use social media – such as Facebook.​

Library and Service Centre Team Leader Amanda-Jane McFadden says the classes have been exceptionally popular with the first ones booked out and a waiting list for the next sessions.

“We have had great feedback – some of these people have been scared of computers – and don’t even know how to turn them on. But Mike breaks the learning down to simple modules that our students have quickly picked up,” says Amanda.

“It has been lovely to see some of our older students learn how to use social media and be able to interact with their grandchildren on Facebook.

“These classes are another way the Library can use its resources to help our community build skills and build relationships.”

The Library is working towards taking the Stepping UP classes to the Maketu community early next year.  ​​​

More Stepping Up classes are planned before the end of the year, so keep an eye out on the Western Bay Libraries Facebook page for more information on dates.