Literacy Central Vancouver Island seeks funding to continue digital training for seniors
Published 3:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026
Literacy Central Vancouver Island is asking for federal funding to continue a program for seniors that teaches digital skills, including identifying online scams.
Nanaimo’s city council unanimously voted at a recent meeting to send a letter to Employment and Social Development Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program in support of the non-profit’s request for more than $35,000 in funding to continue the program in the area from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island, which provides free reading, math, and computer-skills training in the region, has also committed to an in-kind contribution of $9,180.
Executive director Gerald Halabura told council that during the previous funding period, the program delivered more than 35 community workshops, provided more than 200 one-to-one digital-literacy support sessions, and assisted more than 300 seniors in developing the skills and confidence needed to navigate today’s increasingly digital world.
“As more essential services move online, including healthcare, banking, government services, and communication, the need for accessible digital-literacy programming continues to grow,” he said.
“The proposed project will expand workshops throughout Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Gabriola Island, continue individualized coaching, and introduce a new intensive learning series focusing on artificial intelligence, online safety, cybersecurity, and critical-digital literacy.”
Documents from the Literacy Central Vancouver Island presented to council in support of the funding application state that the Horizons for Seniors Program also helps to protect seniors from scams and exploitation by raising awareness of fraud prevention and elder abuse, builds confidence in digital skills, and helps reduce seniors’ isolation by creating welcoming spaces where they can learn and connect.
Coun. Hilary Eastmure said the work of Literacy Central Vancouver Island, which has been operating in the region for more than 35 years, is critical for the community.
“They are a social enterprise with their book store, Well Read Books (located at 19 Commercial St.), and they provide some really important frontline-educational services for folks tutoring computer skills,” she said.
“The New Horizons for Seniors program is really important, and I’m grateful for the volunteers that make this work possible through the LCVI. I’m grateful that the LCVI exists in Nanaimo, and for their legacy of literacy.”
robert.barron@nanaimobulletin.com