Specialised free IT courses would help combat computer illiteracy among the elderly, the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Franco Mercieca said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference held at the Birkirkara local council offices, Mr Mercieca announced plans for new 20-hour comprehensive courses, covering IT essentials such as e-mail use, online payment and basic searches.

The courses, which are organised by the Malta Communications Authority, start later this month and are free for those aged 65 and over.

They will be held at 12 different centres across Malta and Gozo and conducted by trainers specialised in adult learning.

Mr Mercieca said the obstacles to computer literacy were causing significant inconvenience to the elderly.

“The older generations are being excluded from taking part in digital activities and participating in the online society,” he said.

We need everyone online if we really want to achieve a forward-looking, inclusive society

Figures compiled by the National Statistics Office found that 67 per cent of people in Malta aged 65 and over are considered to be computer illiterate.

Of these, the majority said they felt ill-equipped to begin learning how to use digital technology.Mr Mercieca said this divide was among the Government’s main concerns.

“The digital divide is something we are committed to combat sooner rather than later, especially as we strive to increase the use of technology in society,” he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Economic Growth, Edward Zammit Lewis, said age, gender and employment status should not come in the way of getting to grips with modern technology.

“We need everyone online if we really want to achieve a forward-looking, inclusive society and digital economy, regardless of what barriers may exist,” he said.

Applications for the courses can be made by telephone on 2590 3137/2590 3173.

Applications close on October 18.