It took 99 digital mentors 128 learning sessions, conducted over 110 volunteer hours to equip 147 community members with the skills needed to potentially make a difference.  

The training, called the Community and Intergenerational Digital Exchange Program, occurred at The Place Charlestown Community Centre.  

An Australian Government initiative, the initiative is known as Be Connected and managed by the Good Things Foundation Australia.  

Through the program, The Place trained 27 adult community members and 72 high school students across the Hunter region to become digital mentors.  

Learners were equipped with the knowledge and skills to efficiently support their family, friends, and community members build their digital skills and gain confidence in navigating the online world.  

The course was suited to learners aged over 50.  

As well as local community-minded adults, this year’s program attracted Years 9 to 11 students from several local schools including Lake Macquarie High, Cardiff High, St Mary’s Catholic College Gateshead, Morisset High and St Francis Greenway High.  

“The success of our digital mentorship program serves as an inspiring example of the power of community and investment in young people and the potential for positive change when communities come together in the spirit of learning and empowerment,” The Place centre manager Cristelle Govender said.

The group celebrated the completion of the 2022/23 program with an awards evening at The Place on Saturday 26 August. 

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