Step by step with a phone: helping Grandfather learn and do things independently.
Grandfather Abdullah is looking through his phone, with Rashid sitting beside him.
Grandfather Abdullah: “Rashid, come here, my boy. I want to open the photos you sent me.”
Rashid: “Give me the phone, Grandfather. I’ll open them for you.”
Grandfather Abdullah smiles and keeps hold of his phone.
Grandfather Abdullah: “You can open them today, but what about tomorrow? Teach me so I can do it myself.”
Rashid: “You’re right, Grandfather. Keep the phone, and I’ll tell you where to tap.”
Rashid points at the screen without taking the phone.
Rashid: “Tap here… Now choose the photo.”
Grandfather Abdullah: “Like this?”
Rashid: “Yes, exactly!”
Hamad arrives and sees the photo on the screen.
Hamad: “It’s easy, Grandfather!”
Grandfather Abdullah: “It’s easy when you know how, Hamad.”
Hamad: “You’re right, Grandfather. Take your time.”
Sheikha sends a new photo, and Grandfather opens it himself.
Grandfather Abdullah: “Look! This time I opened it on my own!”
Rashid: “Next time, you can teach me something.”
Grandfather Abdullah: “Agreed. We all have something to teach one another.”
Salem enters the majlis and sees everyone together.
Salem: “What did you learn today, Dad?”
Grandfather Abdullah: “I learned how to open photos… and Rashid learned to be patient with me!”
Everyone laughs.
Inspired by themes from Guarantees of Senior Citizens’ Rights in the United Arab Emirates by Dr Salem Abdullah Al Nuaimi.
Dr Salem Abdullah Al Nuaimi