Star Power: Medha and Reshma Lalani

Meet Service Stars Medha Lalani, 16, and Reshma Lalani, 14. The sisters worked together to start Tech Buddies, a program that connects high school students with older adults. The students provide one-on-one technology support. They help the seniors with computers, smartphones, and social media. TFK Kid Reporter Asha Curley spoke with Medha and Reshma about their efforts.

Why did you start Tech Buddies?

Reshma: Medha and I are very close with our grandparents, and last summer we realized that the digital divide is such a predominant issue. We asked around in our community, and we realized that so many senior citizens are struggling with digital literacy. We thought [Tech Buddies] was the perfect fix.

What is your favorite part about your work?

Reshma: When we walk into the room, the senior citizens’ faces light up. They’re very happy when we provide one-on-one personalized tech help. They really enjoy interacting with us, and it’s the same for us. We get a lot out of this as well.

Medha: My favorite part about Tech Buddies is seeing that our sessions are leading to real improvements in the seniors’ digital literacy. We have conducted surveys to track whether seniors are actually learning at our tech buddy sessions. We have found that 92% of them are actually seeing improvements.

Do you have a specific rewarding moment doing your work?

Reshma: Last week, I had the opportunity to work with a 100-year-old lady. She had gotten her first iPhone, and I taught her how to take a photo. She was so happy that she could send this photo to her friends and family, especially her grandkids. We were all cheering for her, and it was such a special moment.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Medha: The most challenging part of running Tech Buddies is really the coordination. Because we have that one-on-one personalized tech support, we have to ensure that we have an equal number of student volunteers and senior citizens attending our Tech Buddy sessions.

What advice would you give to kids interested in helping others?

Medha: I would say just work towards your passion. Find something you’re passionate about and just start doing something with that. If you just work toward it, you’re going to see your efforts catapult.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.