Free bilingual computer classes will soon be available for older adults and retirees in Flushing, offering essential digital literacy skills in Mandarin and Spanish.
Council Member Sandra Ung, alongside representatives from Asian Americans For Equality (AAFE), announced the launch of the eight-week program during a press conference on Jan. 15 at Ung’s district office.
The classes will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and continue weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. through April 8. Sessions will be held in Room 201 at One Flushing, located at 133-29 41st Ave. Interested participants can register by calling 929-592-4282.
The program, developed by students in the AAFE youth program, is tailored for adults and retirees, covering topics such as basic computer and smartphone use, taking and sharing photos, creating and editing documents and presentations, video calling, emailing, and cyber safety. The goal is to help participants connect with distant relatives and friends while navigating the digital world safely.
Ung secured $22,000 in the fiscal year 2025 budget to support the program, which she has funded annually since taking office in 2022. To date, more than 75 community members have gained valuable digital literacy skills through this initiative.
“The importance of this program cannot be overstated,” Ung said in a statement, emphasizing its role in bridging the digital divide and empowering Flushing residents.
“Since I first secured funding for these classes, many of our neighbors have taken their first steps into the world of technology, and these classes gave them the confidence to embrace it. This year’s program also comes at a critical time,” she said.
“We’ve seen how scammers increasingly target unsuspecting people online, especially seniors. These classes empower our community members to navigate an increasingly digital world, whether accessing essential services, connecting with loved ones, or protecting themselves from online scams.”
Thomas Yu, executive director of AAFE, added that the courses help community members feel more confident in using their phones and computers. He added that the courses culminate into a final project where they show off their new tech-savvy skills. “Graduates often return to build upon their learning and support fellow participants, creating a lasting network of collaboration and friendship.”
