Walter Manglona, Aging Office program coordinator, said the manamko’ enrolled in the computer class will record on the computer their “way of life” and knowledge.
This includes recipes, crafts, dance, music, arts and their oral history.
Sinchy Kapwich, the computer instructor, will come up with a lesson plan that covers various subjects on tradition and culture.
“We try to give the manamko’ a chance to share their knowledge with the youth,” Manglona said.
He said it is important to pass on this knowledge to help preserve and nurture the local tradition and culture.
Some senior citizens at the Aging Center have also joined a worldwide community of the elderly through the internet, Manglona said.
They interact with other senior citizens in other parts of the world through Skype.
“Some of them are making blogs,” Manglona said.
The manamko’ usually discuss nutrition, family and medication.
Manglona is urging community members to help the senior citizens pursue their interest in modern technology and networking through the internet.
The center, he said, is in need of additional computer sets.
The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library donated computers to the center but these are outdated already.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Council, for its part, purchased a new computer and paid for the internet services.
This year, the council plans to raise funds so it can buy more computers when it holds the “Manamko’ Amazing Talent Show” on May 3 at the multi-purpose center from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
