By Conference News Staff
SAR Carleton, in partnership with Connected Canadians, has been awarded a $24,000 grant in March 2025 to support an innovative digital mentorship initiative aimed at empowering both Canadian seniors and at-risk and displaced scholars living in Canada.
At the heart of this initiative is the Digital Mentor Volunteer Training and Certification, where up to 15 volunteers from the Scholars at Risk (SAR) community will receive specialized training through Connected Canadians’ Digital Mentor Training Program. This program equips volunteers with the necessary skills to mentor seniors in using technology, ensuring they provide empathetic, effective, and tailored support.
A key component involves senior volunteers acting as Evaluation Specialists, engaging trainees in mentorship roleplays to assess their communication, patience, and sensitivity—essential qualities for supporting seniors. The training will cover critical topics such as online safety, elder abuse prevention, and communication techniques for assisting seniors with cognitive or physical challenges.
The program also emphasizes reciprocal mentorship, fostering a unique exchange between scholars and seniors. While scholars assist seniors with technology, seniors offer cultural mentorship, helping newcomers navigate and understand Canadian society. This mutually beneficial relationship enhances community connections and reduces isolation for both groups.
Additionally, one-on-one mentorship will be available for older SAR scholars who are new to Canada. Trained technology mentors—many of whom are seniors—will provide personalized support, ensuring scholars gain essential digital skills to integrate into their new environment.
By expanding digital literacy initiatives, Carleton SAR and Connected Canadians are creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered community. Through technology mentorship, both seniors and scholars will gain confidence, skills, and meaningful relationships, strengthening their ability to engage in today’s digital world.
