Senior Citizens Get Techy With IT!!

Participants and Panthers United Members pose for a picture!

The Waller County Citizens Assistance Coalition (WCCAC) has been conducting computer basics classes at the Waller County Public Library in Hempstead, TX. Participants are a diverse group of residents and have been in attendance at the weekly sessions. These participants have computer experiences ranging from no experience to moderately knowledgeable and owning laptops, tablets and other electronic devices. Computer Basics sessions have been held weekly from March 20th and will continue until the end of April.

As a part of the ‘Senior Tech Initiative’, Panthers United collaborated with WCCAC to assist with providing this much needed senior service. Panthers United is a Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) recognized student organization that is supported by the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. Panthers United created the ‘Senior Tech Initiative’ as an opportunity for students to bridge generational gaps while supporting Senior Citizens and mature adults in their journey to understand how to conquer the stress of using basic technology.

Students help participant understand how to use Microsoft Word.

The first ‘Senior Tech’ event was held on April 15, 2014, in the Carden Waller Extension Building at PVAMU. The Senior Tech Subcommittee volunteers provided one on one support to each of the participants in attendance at the Waller County Library as well as at the PVAMU session location. Some of the issues that challenged the seniors were: sharing photos between smart phones, understanding how to organize Apps on the Kindle Fire, exploring the benefits of Groupon App, setting up a Google email account, and connecting email accounts to their smart phones devices, as well as learning a few basic skills related to operating the Microsoft Word office tool.

Panthers United member assists participant with smart phone.

 “I truly enjoyed the session. The students were friendly and patient and I learned more than I thought I could. I look forward to future sessions”. ~ Senior Participant

Ms. Danielle Hairston Green, Extension Specialist (FCS) at PVAMU is providing the leadership & service learning projects for the students. If you or someone you know is interested in attending please contact the Waller County Library at (979)732-6281 or Panthers United Senior Tech Initiative at (936)261-5118 or register at seniortech.eventbrite.com. Please bring your laptop or tablet computer to the session, if you have one, although this is not a requirement.

Written in collaboration with Mr. LaVaughn Mosley of the Waller County Citizens Assistance Coalition

By Danielle Y. Hairston Green,
Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences
Cooperative Extension Program

Visit us online at www.pvamu.edu/cahs

25% of College Students Infected??

Panthers United is a campus recognized student organization, supported by the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS). The organization’s primary focus is to exemplify leadership while impacting the lives of limited resource families through support and service to Prairie View A&M University and the local community. Panthers United has undergone several major transitions over the years. It has recently elected new leadership as well as a new advisor; a Program Specialist within the CAHS. In the past three semesters, Panthers United has accomplished many programming and service goals. Currently, the organization is in the process of planning their activities for the 2014-2015 school year. Programs of interest for next year include a reading program with Jones Elementary School and free technology classes for senior citizens.

Alexandria and Gabrielle with STD Awareness Campaign.

Did you know that 25% of college students in the U.S. are infected with an STD?

In collaboration with Prairie View Student Nurse Association, Panthers United, hosted an information booth referred to as “Candy and Condoms” in the Memorial Student Center on March 31, 2014. Student leaders, Gabrielle Scott, Committee Captain-Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness, and Alexandria Hall, Vice President, successfully guided the organization so that the booth attracted over 100 individuals. The information booth provided general STD education, resources for common STDs and prevention tips to reduce transmission. Recent statistics report that in the U.S., 25% of college students are infected with an STD. Sexually transmitted diseases on campus are becoming a major problem and the issue is not getting the coverage and attention that it deserves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common STD on college campuses is Chlamydia, Genital Herpes and Human Papillomavirus (HPV); when HPV does not go away, it can cause genital warts as well as cervical cancer. With nearly one in every 5 students infected with an STD on campus, it is important that student organizations, like Panthers United, to take the initiative and provide awareness and empower students to think twice before engaging in risky behaviors. Please take a moment to congratulate Panthers United for their continued efforts in supporting the CAHS vision of meeting needs and changing lives.

Click here to visit Panthers United on Facebook!

 

Remember: It’s not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk of contracting an STD

 

 

 

 

 

By Danielle Y. Hairston Green,
Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences
Cooperative Extension Program

Visit us online at www.pvamu.edu/cahs