On 14th August, I had the opportunity to support a group of women from Afrocats during a computer drop-in session at Manchester Central Library.
The session was designed to help the women improve their digital literacy, and it turned out to be an informative and empowering experience for everyone.
One of the first tasks was registering the women with Manchester Central Library, opening the door for them to access a wide range of resources available at the library.
The women found this process useful and were pleased to learn how to make the most of their local library’s offering, such as borrowing and returning books, accessing archives, and using the wifi.
Other things you can do at Manchester Central Library include:
Discover rare books and special collections
Let your imagination run wild in their Children’s Library
Find out about their services for visually impaired people
Visit the unique Henry Watson Music Library
And much more.
'It was a chance to gain the skills they need to navigate the digital world more independently'
During the session, it became clear that while many of the women felt comfortable using their phones and touch screens, they found using a computer or desktop more challenging, and our drop-in session provided them with the support they needed to navigate this through the Library’s series of courses covering various aspects of digital literacy, from identifying online scams to learning basic computer skills such as using a keyboard, mouse functions, and understanding the purpose of different keyboard buttons.
Our participants found this session particularly helpful, especially since some of them lack access to a computer at home.
By guiding them on how to use the library’s facilities, we aimed to give them greater agency and confidence in their digital abilities, and for many, this was more than just a learning opportunity - it was a chance to gain the skills they need to navigate the digital world more independently.
The feedback from the women was overwhelmingly positive: they expressed appreciation for the hands-on guidance and the practical tips that will help them in their everyday lives, and the session not only enhanced their digital literacy but also empowered them to make better use of free community resources like the Library.
In summary, the computer drop-in session at Manchester Central Library was a significant step towards bridging the digital divide for marginalised global majority communities who may lack the knowledge and confidence to approach staff by themselves.
And by improving their digital skills and providing them with access to essential online resources, the session helped to boost their confidence and independence, reinforcing the mission of Afrocats to empower women through learning and community engagement.
Words and photos: Amina Beg
Find out more about Manchester Central Library by visiting their website.
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