Archana Goyal is a Learn Digital Coordinator, part of the Reconnect service. One of two Learn Digital Coordinators to join the staff team in June, she has been part of developing Learn Digital in the heart of the pandemic, allowing us to adapt and continue to support the community during this challenging time. Together, Archana and Kimberley match and support Digital Guides, volunteers providing support to Digital Learners. Together with our other Reconnect projects, Learn Digital aims to improve wellbeing through digital and social inclusion.
The journey to People Know How
As part of Reconnect, Archana frequently supports people who are experiencing social isolation, something Archana is no stranger to herself. She describes dealing with feelings of isolation after emigrating here with the responsibility of supporting her family.
After focusing on supporting her family and home for several years in between work, she began looking to volunteering roles with the desire to give back to the community and get back into work. With her knowledge, skills in IT and desire to learn, she was determined to face up to the challenge.
It was at this time that she found ELREC where she volunteered in equalities, as well as Saheliya, an organisation she supported with IT. Archana was struck by their ethos of keeping the door open to anyone who in need of help, a feeling that would eventually draw her to People Know How.
Coordinating Learn Digital
Supporting the community with digital skills is a rewarding yet challenging task. Archana has seen all levels of capabilities and understanding come through Learn Digital. She remarks that “just agreeing to meet up is a big step for some people”.
Within her role Archana has been involved in supporting a Digital Learner in his late 60s who has taken a break from technology. In doing so she has seen through his eyes how hard it can be to get back into more modern technology.
Providing support for Digital Learners can sometimes come down to simple things like learning to use keyboards, passwords or browser bookmarks. Archana describes how the creating a comfortable environment through patience and understanding is just as important as teaching the skills themselves. For both the project coordinators and Digital Guides, the satisfaction of giving this one-to-one support provides opportunities for personal growth and development.
“Joining the People Know How team in June 2020 has been an amazing experience. I’ve had the chance to meet and support people from all parts of the community and watch them grow in confidence towards improving their wellbeing and digital skills.”
Moving forward with People Know How
We’re delighted to share the stories of our staff members. The last year has been People Know How’s busiest yet, with our staff team almost tripling in size. New additions to the team like Archana have allowed us to continue innovating, developing and delivering our services to support even more people.
Find out more about our work in digital as well as our recent campaign Connectivity Now, calling for an end to data poverty.