KOCHI: Over 1,500 residents of the Pizhala island in the Periyar, situated west of Kochi city, had some special guests the other day. A total of 25 students and four teachers from the Economics Department of St Paul's College, Kalamassery, descended on the island to teach them the nuances of digital payment options. The guests were overwhelmed by the response to the one-day workshop they conducted to impart various digital skills. “They all were keen to learn how to do internet banking. They had come with scribbling pads and the crowd mainly comprised the youth and the women,” said Justine George, head of the department of economics.
The St Paul's team imparted to them lessons in paying electricity, water and telephone bills digitally. “Prior to conducting the event, we had given special training to the students and teachers and they set up help desks at the workshop to pay attention to each individual. We never expected such an overwhelming response,” said Mr George. Lessons in mobile banking, money wallets and USSD were also given.
“The residents mostly comprised construction workers and fishermen and are literate also. They are now learning to operate the smart phones and we are now proposing to conduct another workshop to impart lessons in this soon. We are keen on conducting continuing education programmes also for them,” said Mr George adding that the involvement of local church and youth organizations helped make the workshop a success. Pizhala has only one ATM operated by Punjab National Bank. But, the island is dominated by co-operative societies.
