S.U.C.C.E.S.S. expands digital literacy skills programs with $1.6 million in new federal funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2023

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. expands digital literacy skills programs with $1.6 million in new federal funding

Vancouver B.C. – Newcomers to Canada will benefit from improved digital literacy thanks to new federal funding to enable S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to expand its Seniors Go Digital program.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced 23 Canadian not-for-profit organizations would receive $17.6 million in funding as part of an investment in the second phase of the federal Digital Literacy Exchange Program.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. received $1.6 million over two years to enable us to teach digital literacy skills to a wider audience. From 2018-2022, we were funded to provide the Seniors Go Digital program, offering immigrant and refugee clients aged 55+ classes on computers tablets and smartphones, online safety, social networking, email and text messages. Education is provided in English with support offered in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Farsi.

Now, with additional funding, the program will be open to all newcomers and will include a train the trainer component to create digital champions among staff in the settlement sector. This new program will be delivered nationally, in partnership with the Association for Canadian Studies, the Arab Community Centre of Toronto, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and G.E.O. Nova Scotia.

“For newcomers, an important part of settlement is being able to find their place in their new communities,” said S.U.C.C.E.S.S. CEO Queenie Choo. “Today it’s critical that newcomers also learn how to navigate and engage in digital communities to ensure their full integration into modern society.”

The federal Digital Literacy Exchange Program is part of a bundle of digital skills programs designed to bridge the digital divide. In its first phase from 2018 to 2022, the program helped 400,000 people develop digital skills.

“In today’s reality, understanding digital technology and being able to use the Internet are vital, which is why we are committed to ensuring that all Canadians have the skills to access information and opportunities online,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Through initiatives supported by the Digital Literacy Exchange Program, thousands more Canadians will be equipped with the necessary skills to use computers, mobile devices and the Internet safely and securely.”

Learn more about S.U.C.C.E.S.S. digital literacy services at Successbc.ca/seniors-go-digital or email [email protected] or call 604-408-7274, ext. 1083.

For more information
Elaine O’Connor
Director, Strategic Communications and Partnerships
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[email protected]

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service agencies in Canada. It offers a wide range of programs and services that promote the belonging, wellness, and independence of people on their Canadian journey. Program and services are offered in the areas of newcomer settlement, English language training, employment and entrepreneurship, family, youth and seniors programming, health education, community development, seniors care, and affordable housing. For more details, please visit www.successbc.ca

About S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation
Incorporated in 2001, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funding for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations supporting S.U.C.C.E.S.S. mandates that focus on strengthening our diverse communities. For more details, please visit www.successfoundation.ca

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