North Lanarkshire Council's award-winning Driving Digitally Locally intergenerational project has achieved a significant milestone as it was successfully piloted with a secondary school for the first time.
Expanding reach to secondary schools
Building on the programme's success and development with digital leaders in primary schools, this latest phase expanded its reach to engage young people in a new way. Pupils from the Thrive Group at St Aidan's High in Wishaw were paired with members of the St Thomas' Lunch Club in Pather, providing a meaningful opportunity for shared learning and connection across generations.
Project objectives
The project is designed to strengthen digital skills among older adults while supporting young people to build confidence in communication and social interaction. Throughout the weekly sessions, pupils and older participants took part in engaging discussions using iPads, with young people providing hands-on support to help build digital confidence. In turn, pupils developed valuable skills in patience, empathy and interpersonal communication, learning how to support others in a respectful, inclusive and engaging way.
Teacher and pupil perspectives
St Aidan's High School teacher Liz Donnelly said: "It was wonderful to see our students using their digital expertise to support the elderly in St Thomas' Church. The students were not only evaluating their ICT and communication skills, but they were also fostering meaningful, intergenerational connections within our community. Well done everyone."
S3 pupil Euan added: "I really like Mary's view of the world before my generation was born. I also appreciated her humour and heart. I would like to do something similar in the future."
Another pupil, Lily, said: "I really enjoyed today and working with Margaret. We worked on our internet safety skills and Margaret also learned how to use pic collage. We then took a test together. We got six out of 10 and I reckon Margaret was better than me."
Senior participant feedback
One senior who took part from the St Thomas' Lunch Club added: "I didn't know what to expect at first, but it's been a joy getting to spend time with the young people and share stories. They were clear with instructions, and very patient."
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
