For the past few years ACE IT has turned its visionary eye to the young of today: Many concerns and issues of younger people are shared by older people too – without either generation realising it themselves!!

 The story so far…………….
ACE IT realised the potential to enhance the lives of both generations by building on mutual respect and understanding – not only with the use of computers but using technology to bring the age gaps closer together…………….

Starting with taking on a 24 year old volunteer from Project Scotland, Chris Jamieson, the volunteer who has a one year placement with ACE IT says  

“I first got in touch with ACE-IT just after I finished my degree at Napier University in March 2005.  I assumed that it would take some time before I found a job and that I could use this time to help out in the community by volunteering.  

I am passionate about making computers useful to people - real people for real things!  This conviction was born from being exposed to a certain geek mentality of some computing people where just using a computer becomes a reason to use a computer, which I was becoming ever more prone to doing myself and getting ever more annoyed by!  ACE-IT looked like just the kind of project where this kind of mentality could be avoided and the real usefulness of computers explored, especially in a very overlooked group: the 50+ group

Working full-time at ACE-IT has been, and still is, an excellent experience for me.  I have learned many new skills in teaching, working with people and in IT and also many other less tangible social ones.  It has also opened my eyes to the exclusion many older people face in our society - computer exclusion just being one of them - and how it can be alleviated.  I've also seen first-hand how older people can make a little computer knowledge go a long way in improving their lives, from the extra time and energy saved from learning how to use a website to order their weekly shop through keeping in touch by using video conferencing software to chat face-to-face with relatives hundreds of miles away”. 

Project Scotland is an independent charity that creates partnership between business, the voluntary sector and government. It acts as a portal connecting young people (16-25) with full time volunteering opportunities in a wide range of areas such as environment, education, youth projects, sports and the arts

 Moving on…..

ACE IT and the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award – an Intergenerational Project

In October 1995 Mark Scott – a 16 year old schoolboy from Glasgow - left a football match and became the victim of a sectarian murder. Following Mark’s tragic death, Mark’s family set up the Leadership for Life Award.

’The Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award’ is a unique and innovative approach to personal development that brings together young people from different social, religious and cultural backgrounds, and trains and supports them as they plan and deliver community-based projects.

One of the 2007 award nominations brings together  pupils from St Thomas Aquins, Gillespie’s and Boroughmuir High Schools in Edinburgh and ACE IT’s senior volunteer tutors, current and ex-learners from ACE IT’s computer training programme and a couple of older local residents from the Gorgie/Dalry area. The aim of the ‘Intergenerational Technology Project’ is to encourage better understanding and co-operation between the young and old.

During March 2007, over a period of three weeks, a series of 3 hour workshops and discussion sessions focused on different elements of intergenerational understanding. In some cases, modern technology such as the Internet was used to find relevant information

Held at St Thomas Aquins High School in Chalmers Street Edinburgh, seven 6^th year students and ACE IT helped organise the programme & content and in turn  the groups themselves :

Twelve 3^rd year pupils and twelve older people were split into mixed groups of 6 – all picked at random

Sarah Boyack MSP supported the opening sessions and on first arrival, it was very clear that all older people were on one side of the room and youngsters on the other! After the initial introductions, the groups started to chat happily (and change seating arrangements!) whilst considering the content for the discussions later…

Over the three weeks, discussion sessions focused on different themes: debates on ID cards, for or against conscription, investment opportunities in education and services for both generations. Other sessions concentrated on the differences shared by the groups of “now and then”. Many concerns were similar to both generations – drug and alcohol abuse, street crime and worries in the community, housing opportunities, health awareness, activities and leisure opportunities

On the last day, the groups all constructed a selection of lighthouses made from nothing else other than paper, battery and a light bulb – full working models were achieved and great fun was had by all! 

Without exception, all participants enjoyed the experience and firm friendships were made. Many offered to take part in similar projects in other areas of Edinburgh, which will now follow on from this inspiring project

 A selection of responses from feedback forms:

 Do you think you have gained from participating?

 “Definitely! Contact with younger people is stimulating and eye opening”

“I have a better understanding of what young people really think, rather than what we think they think!”

“I now have different views on issues rather than being one track minded. I am more understanding”

“Exchange of views over generations revealed a lot of common opinions albeit from different perspectives”

“I have gained from participating and I feel more confident to go to things like this”

“Excellent exchange of modern ideas”

“I would definitely put my name forward to participate in future similar events”

“I look forward to the next one!”

“I have met truly great people and have discussed very modern issues”

“I was very impressed with their attitude”

 ACE IT were delighted to receive a donation of £200 that the pupils had fundraised for the charity’s computer training project - Jenny Ridge ACE IT Chief Exec says – “This has been a thoroughly rewarding project for all concerned and we hope to see the team come back with the Award after the ceremony in June in Glasgow – all of the pupils worked really hard and deserve to win – everyone had such fun and enjoyed the sharing experience - we can’t wait to do another similar project in the city!”