🌍 Big News at WildTech! 🚀

We’re thrilled to welcome Pamphile Dedji, a Mandela Washington Fellow, to our team this summer as part of an exciting new Professional Development Experience!

Pamphile is diving into some incredible, hands-on work with us — from refurbishing laptops that will empower communities in the U.S. and Africa, to helping launch a brand new education technology pilot program in Kenya in collaboration with Huawei East Africa, British Council, and World Vision Kenya! 💻📦🌱

He's also becoming a familiar face to our Senior Tech community — making weekly check-in calls, assisting with in-person trainings, and preparing to host an engaging Zoom presentation of his own. 🧓🏽📲💬

Pamphile’s passion for global impact and community connection makes him the perfect fit for WildTech. We’re honored to have him on this journey with us — stay tuned to see all the ways he’ll be making waves this summer and beyond!

WildTech's 4th Annual Valentine's Party

We joined together to celebrate love, joy, and community at WildTech's 4th Annual Valentine's Day Celebration for Seniors! This year's event, hosted by Alexander Bell, was a wonderful gathering that brought together our cherished seniors for an afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful moments. We offer our sincere gratitude to DACL, Washington Home, and all our Senior Center Representatives who participated, making this event truly memorable.

Event Highlights

This year's celebration focused on embracing self-care and acknowledging the critical importance of loving ourselves and our bodies. Our seniors eagerly shared valuable tips and personal stories about their self-care routines, health practices, and relaxation techniques. From calming meditation practices to delicious healthy recipes, the knowledge shared was truly inspiring. The warm camaraderie and shared laughter created an atmosphere reminiscent of a big family reunion, where everyone was uplifted by the spirit of love and self-acceptance.

Winners

As part of the festivities, we hosted an exciting raffle with fantastic prizes to honor our wonderful participants! The competition was intense, but here are the deserving winners:

• 2nd Place: Evon Ervin - $10 CVS Gift Card

• 1st Place: Wilda Budd - $50 Gift Card

We are incredibly proud of everyone who participated and helped make this event a success! If you missed the fun or wish to relive the joyous moments, don’t worry! You can watch the entire celebration on YouTube. Just click the button below to enjoy all the festivities!

View the Celebration on YouTube!

Seniors Trained Locally Across DC!

Over the last few months, the WildTech team has embarked on an inspiring journey across various sites in Washington, D.C., where we have dedicated ourselves to empowering seniors through comprehensive digital literacy training and hands-on laptop workshops. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide and ensure that seniors of all technological skill levels feel confident and capable in today's fast-paced digital world. Our exciting initiatives included:

• Conducting Dynamic Digital Literacy Training Sessions: We organized engaging and interactive training sessions that covered essential topics such as internet navigation, online safety, and social media usage. Each session was tailored to meet the unique needs of our participants, making learning both fun and effective.

• Offering Hands-On Laptop Training: Our team provided personalized, step-by-step guidance on how to use laptops effectively. Participants had the opportunity to practice their skills in real-time, fostering a sense of accomplishment and independence as they learned to send emails, browse the web, and connect with loved ones online.

• Distributing Free Laptops to Seniors Without Devices: In a heartfelt effort to ensure that every senior has access to technology, we distributed free laptops to those who lacked devices. This initiative not only equipped them with the necessary tools but also opened up a world of possibilities for communication, education, and entertainment.

The response from the seniors has been overwhelmingly positive. They expressed immense appreciation for our programs, often sharing stories of how newfound digital skills have positively impacted their lives. Many participants demonstrated a strong desire to continue learning, eagerly signing up for our virtual classes that delve deeper into advanced topics and foster a community of lifelong learners.

As we look ahead, the WildTech team is excited to expand our offerings and reach even more seniors in the community. Our commitment to enhancing digital literacy and promoting technological inclusivity remains unwavering. Together, we are building a brighter, more connected future for all!