Community Mentoring – Changing people’s lives
The Time for Life Community Mentoring Service has set up computer lessons for the residents at Ilford Park Polish Home. With the help and guidance of Polish mentor Marta Dudek residents are enjoying weekly lessons learning basic computer skills.
Henryk Kolaczkowski who is 84 years old has really benefited from the lessons.
Henryk said, “I really enjoy the lessons and I am so pleased that I am learning to use a computer and how to type letters. It is something that I never thought that I would be able to do.”
Marta is the ideal mentor for the residents not only because she is Polish speaking and a trained teacher in Poland but also because she was one of the cleaners at the home before applying for the post of mentor and so she knows all of the residents really well.
Marta Dudek said, “I love working with the residents, it is so wonderful to see how much they are learning and more importantly how much fun they are having. Some of the residents have learnt to email and have been able to keep in touch with their families and some have been able to produce posters for the various activities that take place at Ilford Park.”
Sue Howell-Richardson, Time for Life Manager said, “We are really pleased that the computer lessons have been a success. We have a regular attendance of residents whilst others drop in as they want. It is helping them to learn new skills and grow in confidence. Since starting the computer sessions residents have learnt new skills and then chosen what they want to do with them. This has ranged from watching videos on You Tube, reading / listening to Polish history and news to playing solitaire and checking ones individual finances on line.”
