There's life after retirement after all - Retired teacher joins computer classes for seniors; now wants to teach others

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

When Verris Kerr-Campbell retired from teaching in 2002 after 27 years at the Marcus Garvey Technical High School, it should have meant that she would then go home and enjoy her retirement. After all, she would have taught thousands of students in the areas of English language, religious education, remedial reading, and her specialty, music.

Actually, she might have enjoyed her retirement for a while ... until February this year. That is when she was introduced to the computer class for seniors held at the St Ann Parish Library. Sponsored by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the computer class seeks to introduce computing to senior citizens.

"I am happy that I have pursued this course because it really enlightens me a lot," Kerr-Campbell told Rural Xpress.

She graduates next week with 28 other senior citizens from St Ann after six months' training in basic computer skills. She then wants to return and assist course coordinator, Fitzroy Campbell, teach other seniors.

The current course is not the first time that Kerr-Campbell has been introduced to the computer.

"Many years ago, when the computer was introduced in this area, to Marcus (Garvey Technical) in particular, I remember doing a course. It was a quick course and I ended up getting two certificates," she recalled. But she soon forgot most of what she had been taught mainly because of inactivity as it relates to computer usage.

"So I was very, very happy when I was introduced to this course. I was so elated! I came and I tried not to miss a day. I was so happy I asked the teacher if I could do two days per week (instead of one like everybody else).

"Since I came to the class, I realise I was liking it more and more and then the teacher was so tolerant - Mr Campbell was so tolerant and understanding. I am thanking God for this class. It has enlightened me so much."

Kerr-Campbell is not the only one who is happy for the class. In an ironic case of roles being reversed, one of her former students at Marcus Garvey, Travis Allen, who now works at the library, is excited at seeing his former teacher taking on something new and even assisted her in getting started.

"The first morning I came to class, Travis came out and greeted me, and you could see the excitement in him! And he walked me upstairs, sat beside me, and turned on the computer for me. I just imagined how happy he was to know that his teacher is continuing learning. It is good! I am thankful, and it's free!"

She confessed, too, that she would have done the course even if she had to pay.

Now, she wants to give back.

"I am thinking of coming back to help Mr Campbell ... to help the others, and I would even like to further the course," Kerr-Campbell explained.

She sees her effort as something others could emulate, saying retirees can still make a meaningful contribution to the nation.

"And I have been trying to get my colleagues who have retired, too, to come and join the class. I have even spoken to quite a few of them. I would like everybody to learn, and because we're in the computer age, it is the right thing we are doing."

Campbell is welcoming any contribution that Kerr-Campbell can offer.

"Yes, sure!" he exclaimed when told that Kerr-Campbell wants to return to help. Campbell, who himself is not being compensated for teaching the seniors, said he is currently being assisted by a past beneficiary of the programme.

He said the computer programme sees the seniors now being able to do online banking, check their emails, and use Microsoft Word, among other things.

"They have come a far way," Campbell said. He gave credit to Carmen Wilson, justice of the peace, who initiated the programme in 2001.