15 April 2010

Course 35

28 Families graduated from e-Learning Porirua’s Computers in Homes programme on Wednesday 7 April with a refurbished computer for the home, a broadband internet connection, relevant basic training and technical support.

Graham Kelly, e-Learning Porirua Trust Chairman was pleased to announce that “this group of families joins the hundreds before them, that have gained skills to enable them to get jobs”

Arnia Hurunui first heard about Computers in Homes through a friend who had completed the programme in 2009. The course which was delivered for 8 weeks in Term 1 from 12pm – 2.30pm on a Wednesday fit perfectly with her day to day schedule.

“I decided to apply for a place on the course as I feel that learning how to use a computer properly and in addition, having a computer to take home will benefit the futures of my 12 yr old daughter, second child on the way and several nieces and nephews that I care for in my home.” she says.

Prior to participating in Computers in Homes Arnia had completed small courses in Business, Customer Service and Retail, upon completing these courses and several unsuccessful job applications in trying to find employment, Arnia realised she did not have enough knowledge on how to use a computer, Microsoft programs and Internet/Email services.

“Gaining computer skills was the next step in advancing my future - since completing the programme I have been offered a paid Work Experience opportunity to pass on what I have learnt to other people”

The Computers In Homes project (CiH) aims to support low income communities to use ICT to strengthen their education. Its purpose as a community driven programme aims to provide computers in Homes, Schools and Community Learning Centres to families who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and provide them with the necessary skills and internet access to support their children’s learning and engage more fully in society. Registrations for Course 36 will start at 12pm on Wednesday 21st April 2010, in the training room situated upstairs in the Porirua RSA at 3 McKillop Street, Porirua East. For further information contact 0800555563