
Kак обучение в L’Chaim объединяет людей
How Training at L’Chaim Brings People Together
In July, digitalLIFT staff members Josie Rose and Anastasiya Rudziankova led two special Russian-language training workshops at L’Chaim Adult Day Health Care in San Francisco, one of our valued community partners within the SF Connected program. Each two-hour session welcomed a full room — 68 participants in tota l— ready to dive into smartphone and tablet basics. With a mix of slides, group discussion, and hands-on help, the sessions covered everything from installing apps and adjusting notifications to connecting to Wi-Fi and searching online. Participants brought their own devices, some even bringing flip phones (!), and left with new skills, answers to lingering questions, and a sense of accomplishment.
A Warm Welcome in a Shared Language
For Anastasiya, this training was more than just teaching technology — it was a meaningful connection to home.
“Meeting people from my home country of Belarus, even from my own city, was amazing. It felt like reconnecting with family, thousands of miles away.”
The shared language allowed participants to ask questions freely, without fear of misunderstanding. The room was filled with curiosity and warmth, proving that learning is even more rewarding when it’s done in a space that feels familiar and welcoming.
From Challenges to Breakthroughs
Josie, who is an American, enjoyed the opportunity to use her Russian language background in an impactful way. Her ability to translate smartphone and tablet concepts across both language and technology helped participants grasp topics that can often be challenging, such as navigating different operating systems, managing settings, and installing apps.

“It’s always incredible to see the difference one-on-one help can make,” says Josie. “Especially when someone has been struggling for weeks, sometimes months, to use their device fully.”
Several memorable moments stood out to her: resetting a smartwatch stuck in Chinese, unlocking an iPhone trapped in VoiceOver mode, and even reuniting with a former student from another digitalLIFT site. These small victories brought big smiles, hugs, and gratitude from participants.
The Need for Ongoing Support
The biggest takeaway for both trainers was the need for ongoing tech help. Many participants asked when digitalLIFT would return and emphasized how valuable regular sessions could be. “They want to learn, but they need more support,” Josie explained. “Especially smaller group lessons and more Russian-speaking volunteers.” The enthusiasm at L’Chaim made it clear: with consistent training, a bit of patience, and the right resources, technology can become a true bridge — connecting people not only to the internet, but to each other.

digitalLIFT — Помогаем сообществам осваивать технологии – шаг за шагом, устанавливая связи.
digitalLIFT—bringing tech skills to every community, one connection at a time.
At digitalLIFT, we know that learning is most powerful when it feels personal. That’s why we offer technology training in the languages people know best. From virtual Q&A sessions to easy-to-use curriculum, we make digital skills accessible for everyone—helping neighbors stay connected, share stories, and discover new possibilities together.

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