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St Mary’s Digital Heroes help Men’s Shed members get online

Pupils from St Mary’s primary school in Holyhead were playing an active role in supporting the school’s vision for online safety with their peers. But they were also happy to help members of the local Men’s Shed group to do more with technology.

school children show two older men how to use a tablet device

Men’s Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.

How

Digital Communities Wales delivered Digital Heroes training to 23 pupils in St Mary’s school including the whole of Year 6 and digital leaders in Years 3-5. DCW Advisor Lon Mosely then paired the school up with the local Men’s Shed, Morlo Men’s Shed, and organised an initial meeting between both groups.

Impact

Within their school, the Heroes have taken on many roles such as reviewing iPad applications, making videos, looking after equipment, reporting concerns and supporting their peers when using digital equipment.

By visiting the Men’s Shed group, the Heroes have also been able to have an impact in their wider community.

Year 6 teacher Miss Ford said, “The children helped the men to develop their skills on their iPads and gave advice on how to access email accounts, internet sites and applications safely. The afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Both groups can’t wait to meet again to take part in a creative joint project.”

Robert Higgins, a member of the Morlo Men’s Shed who received support, said, “These youngsters and their teacher Miss Ford took an afternoon away from school to teach us some computer skills. They were mustard on the computers! I had a really enjoyable afternoon. I should be able to cut and paste at last! They were a credit to their school. We all learned something and had fun doing it.”