Its Graduation Day For East Harlem Seniors!

It’s graduation day for seniors – senior citizens, that is!

Ten senior citizens graduated this morning from the “Beyond Basics” computer class at the Carter Burden/Lehman Village Senior Program housed in the New York City

Housing Authority’s Lehman Village in East Harlem.

This new class of computer-savvy seniors successfully completed the “Beyond Basics” course – taught in English and Spanish -- and have mastered how to use e-mail, social media and online shopping. The participants, who received certificates, previously aced the beginner’s computer class. The courses are taught by instructors from Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) on computers generously donated to the senior center by Macquarie Group.

William J. Dionne, Executive Director of the Carter Burden Network, said, “The Carter Burden Network strives to help our seniors grow as productive and self-sufficient members of the community. Ensuring they are knowledgeable about technologies can make a positive impact on their lives and give them confidence to explore new and exciting opportunities. We are truly proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and are grateful to OATS instructor Roberto Enamorado for helping them learn these important new skills.”

When asked about the best thing about the class, graduate Carmen Camacho said, “The best thing for seniors – it’s not easy, but not to say no because you always try and you always learn something.” Graduate Carmen Tanco said, “Everything. It’s something beautiful. I learned a lot because I didn’t know e-mail. That’s my first experience.” When asked what she knows now, Tanco said, “I know everything!”

Lehman Village Senior Program is a program of the Carter Burden Network (CBN) – a leader in aging services that promotes the well-being of seniors through a continuum of services, advocacy, arts and culture and volunteer programs in New York City.