Technology moves fast, and many people are still figuring out where to start, let alone how to keep up. That was where programs like the Tech Help Café, run through Kamloops PAL (K-PAL), can make a world of difference. The goal is not only to fix immediate technology concerns, but also to give people the confidence to navigate their devices on their own.
Program tutor Denzel American talked about their most regular program attendees: “Seniors sometimes have a little more trouble keeping up with all the changes, right? There’s kind of a lack of service provided to people who are having those tech issues that might not have the connections to like younger family members or their sons or granddaughters or something.”
The café creates a welcoming space where people can bring their phones, tablets, and laptops for hands-on support. “Our focus is a lot on the learning part of it, so that they can come in, have their problem solved, but then know how to fix it if it does happen again,” American said.
Rather than encouraging repeat visits, the program tutors participants to become self-sufficient.
“I always say, like, I want people not to have to come back over and over. I want people to be able to come once or twice and then feel confident enough to deal with their problems on their own,” American said.
American said there is not just one singular issue that pops up at these cafes, so don’t think that your problem needs to fit into a pre-determined mould. Anyone can access the program.
“It’s a very broad range. A lot of the concerns are with security, sometimes with safety.” Scam emails, suspicious texts, and confusing phone calls are also common worries. For many, just learning the basics of how their devices work makes a huge difference.
“Really, it is just kind of like being comfortable with their phones in general,” American explained. “Because when you’re not comfortable with the basic functions, it’s kind of like, there’s a lot of places where any aspect can go wrong.”
American has been part of the Tech Help Café since December, but K-PAL’s work in digital and English literacy started well before then. American is moving on to new horizons, but he is thrilled to know the program will continue in great hands. Monique Reiswig takes over the program in September and is already busy at work at the monthly cafes.
The Tech Help Café runs about once a month in partnership with the North Kamloops Library. The date can fluctuate, but people can stay current through K-PAL’s social media and the dates are posted at the library itself. When in doubt, check with the librarians at the Kamloops North Shore Public Library.
Whether it is dealing with email issues, learning how to spot scams, or just wanting to know how to navigate your smartphone and all its programs, the Tech Help Café can help to give you the tools to feel more secure and independent in a digital world.