Saudi Gazette Knowledge has power and so one should have the urge to continuously seek knowledge right from their cradle to their grave. An adult school in Al-Khobar has adopted a new educational program that is attracting and motivating a greater number of elderly students to keep learning. According to the founders of the school, learning the alphabets and knowing how to read and write is not enough. Students who attend this school are also taught the basics of using computers and all new software applications. In addition, students enjoy physical exercise and art classes, too. Director of adult school Abdulaziz Bin Jabran Al-Qahtani, told Al-Watan daily, “This recent introduction of computer courses has been very well received by our students and has encouraged them to learn new skills and concepts and to become more active in their educational programs. I have been genuinely impressed and quite surprised at their capability of quickly learning to operate several computer programs. They are also keen on attending physical exercises class and art sessions, and are enthusiastic participants in any recreational and entertainment activities that we suggest.” “What started out as a tentative experiment and trial turned into a productive program that we hope to keep. Many newcomers from among the illiterate men in the society have come forth to enroll in the adult education school and take advantage of the opportunities available. Literacy lessons go hand in hand with fun activities, other educational endeavors, and courses that make the elderly more technology-friendly. As a result of the success of our experimenting with creative ways of learning, other adult education centers in the region may also implement new computer, sports, and arts programs,” said Al-Qahtani. Yahya Al-Theraidi, a 50 year-old student is not afraid to learn new skills. “The previously long and boring day at school is now pleasurable and enjoyable. Physical exercise has countless benefits on both, physical and emotional health. The elderly in the community rarely find the time or the suitable place to exercise. I discovered that drawing serves as a perfect method to vent my feelings and release built up pressure from the worries and problems of daily life.” Seventy-year-old Basheer Ahmad, is another aging student, and he said that the center helped him break the barrier of unfamiliarity and reluctance that he felt towards computers and other modern technology devices. “I had thought that the era of technology had already passed by and that I would never be able to learn how to operate computers. Using creative techniques that take into consideration our culture and age, the center showed us how we can all take advantage of some very useful computer programs. I feel more up-to-date and now I can relate better to my own children and the younger generation in general,” said Ahmad. Regardless of his precarious financial situation and his busy lifestyle, he is keen to attend the school every day. According to Ahmed, the best and most rewarding skill that he learned at the center is how to read and recite the Holy Qur'an, and he also enjoys listening to it on the computer. The positive learning environment at the adult education school makes him eager to show up every day. __
