Senior Citizens’ Week was made even more meaningful on Thursday, October 1, as 91 seniors were honoured at a Digital Literacy Graduation at the HEART/NSTA Trust Eastern TVET Institute, Stony Hill Campus, with 72 walking on stage to collect their certificates.
The cool calm of the historic West Rural St. Andrew campus matched the quiet confidence of a group who began the day as graduands and ended it as graduates, some for the first time in their lives.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Training & Certification: The Gateway to Success” in recognition of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated more than competence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Digital Literacy Programme is an initiative of the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), delivered by HEART/NSTA Trust with the support of the Universal Service Fund (USF), and the graduation showcased the Trust’s commitment to lifelong learning at every stage of life.
Graduands marched into the auditorium to “Your Goodness Is Running After Me” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, setting a joyful and uplifting tone for the occasion. Surrounded by palms and vibrant yellow and blue decor, and watched by family members and friends, the graduates proudly received their golden canisters containing their City & Guilds certification, marking the successful completion of the programme.
Master of Ceremonies Javaughn Keyes guided the proceedings, while Marlene Murphy-Pryce of the Port Maria cohort delivered a heartfelt prayer giving thanks to God for grace, faithfulness and preservation. Alluding to Psalm 71:18, she prayed, “We are old and grey-headed, You will not forget us, but You will cause us to show Your strength to the generation to come.”
In the official welcome, Dr. Aston Spencer, Regional Director, Region 2, commended both the graduands and the instructors who supported them throughout the programme. He thanked the instructors for teaching with patience, dedication and genuine care, describing them as “ambassadors of digital inclusion” whose work is helping more Jamaicans confidently access the opportunities of the digital age. Addressing the graduands, he said, “Your journey proves something we at HEART believe deeply: learning has no age limit, and you showed us that curiosity and determination never retire.” He encouraged them: “Keep using your new skills and share them with others.”
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., hailed the collaboration behind the programme. “The partnership between HEART, the USF and the NCSC is one of the most authentic and impactful that we have,” he said, noting that the initiative began out of concern for protecting seniors from scammers and has grown into something larger. “Seniors are inspiring juniors,” he added.
Drawing on the example of his 90-year-old father, who navigates social media and online banking with ease because he is never afraid to ask for help, the Minister commended the graduates for their courage and challenged them to keep going. “This is not the end. This cannot be the end of your journey,” he said.
Dr. Sasha Shim-Hue, Regional Director, Region 1, who represented Managing Director Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, connected warmly with attendees, even sharing a light-hearted moment as she called for her glasses to better deliver her remarks. She emphasised that digital literacy is about far more than technology. “Today is about much more than completing a course. It is about confidence, it is about independence, it is about remaining connected, and it is about demonstrating that learning does not have an expiry date,” she said.
She noted that as Jamaica advances toward becoming a fully digital society, confidence with technology is increasingly essential for accessing government services, remaining connected with loved ones and participating fully in modern life. She highlighted the Trust’s commitment to keeping training opportunities open to Jamaicans of every age.
Her message resonated strongly with the graduates, whom she urged to “big up yourself,” especially those graduating for the very first time.
Among the programme’s success stories is Linda Miller, who began her career at National Commercial Bank (NCB) at age 17 in the 1970s, rose through the ranks to become a Branch Manager, and later spent four years in the credit union sector before retiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her decision to pursue digital literacy training reflects the resilience shown by many of the graduates.
For Miller, the training filled a gap that decades in banking had left open. “I worked with NCB for many, many years and we were forced to use a computer without knowledge. So, what I knew was just by experience. Now I have formalised what I knew,” she said. So determined was she to finish that she stayed in Jamaica to complete the course and attend the graduation, at a time of year when she is usually overseas. Her message to others who think they are too old to start is simple: “Knowledge is key. Once you keep your brain active, your knowledge gets more advanced and you can help somebody else, even at over 60. People should not be afraid to register for the course.”
Special recognition was given to Ioni Sanderson, aged 84, the programme’s oldest graduate, who also assisted in making presentations (an initiative of the students) to the instructors during the ceremony.
The event also celebrated the contribution of the programme’s instructors: Jason Burrows, Losanna Lewin, Romaine Campbell, Hugh Duffus and Shanay Brown. Their guidance helped participants develop the digital skills needed to communicate, access services, navigate online platforms and remain active participants in an increasingly connected society.
The graduation ceremony served as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to achievement. Through programmes such as Digital Literacy, HEART/NSTA Trust continues to empower older Jamaicans with the confidence, skills and certification needed to thrive, proving that learning remains a cornerstone of personal growth, independence and national development.