When a student can't access a school report card because it's online, or a parent can't apply for food assistance because the form requires a login, digital literacy stops being a convenience and starts being a barrier. Juan Tafolla is working to lower that barrier in the Kennett Square area, one workshop at a time.
In this episode, Juan shares his work as Technology Education Coordinator with RSVP Volunteers, where he runs a digital literacy program serving Hispanic community members, seniors and anyone who needs a hand navigating the basics. His classes cover password management, email, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and online safety. They run five to six weeks, meet people where they are and end with something concrete: students who completed the first cohort walked away with their own laptops to keep.
Juan talks about why patience is the whole job. He's seen well-meaning family members grab a phone and fix the problem in 30 seconds, which helps only for the moment. His approach is different. He shows people how to do it themselves, step by step, until it sticks.
The conversation also touches on Wi-Fi access gaps in Chester County, how affordable connectivity programs through Comcast and Xfinity have helped, and why Juan sees civic engagement as the next layer of digital access. If you know how to get online, you can contact your elected officials, apply for government programs and vote more informed.
Juan is also a recent Kennett High School graduate and one of the youngest candidates to run for Kennett Borough Council, bringing the same civic energy to his community that he brings to his classroom.
Digital literacy workshops in Spanish are currently running at Mighty Writers in Toughkenamon through late December. English sessions are planned for early 2026. To register or learn more, reach out to Juan directly at juan.tafolla@rsvp.org.
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