25 September 2014

Congratulations - Graduation for Course 58

Wednesday 24 September saw 42 people graduate from the latest Computers in Homes course at e-Learning Porirua.  Chris Kirk-Burnnand presented the certificates to all the graduates.

The following is a quote from one of the learning stories that illustrates the transformational nature of this course.

    "I have learnt to be more independent. I have more confidence in myself to do things for myself    
     and my family. I have more confidence in becoming employed in the near future. I have learnt so 
     many NEW things I did not know.
     I am overwhelmed to proudly say that, I am not a failure, but a young woman striving for 
     success."


Course 58 graduates 24 September 2014

Well done and congratulations to all.

02 July 2014

Inspiring Learning Story

My name is Cheryl Browne and I live in Titahi bay. I am a 59 year old mother of two girls and have three grandchildren who also live in Titahi Bay.

I have worked most of my life, between raising children. Being without work for the last seven months has left me wondering what sort of employment is available, for a person my age with my limited qualifications.

Remaining unemployed is not something I want to do, partly for financial reasons but mainly because I am still very active, and get quickly bored without any contact or activity outside of my home.

When I was asked by my WINZ case worker, if there was something I felt I needed to help me in my search for work, I told her I would love to do a computer course.

I had noted that a majority of positions requested a certain level of computer literacy which I did not have.

When the case worker told me about the ‘Computers in Homes’ course, I was excited but had a ‘that sounds too good to be true’ feeling.

However!! It was true and here I am at the end of the course, and still absolutely amazed that such an opportunity has been made available, not only to myself but to the many fortunate people before and those who will come after me.

Due to my fear of being in group situations, where I am expected to verbally ‘take part’ and the fact that I was pretty much computer illiterate, I was really nervous about this course. I had no reason to worry because from day one, because of Tim’s informal, relaxed teaching method and the realisation that I was among people who were ‘just like me’, my nerves settled and I was able to relax and enjoy every moment.

Being part of such a friendly, non- threatening learning environment has been valuable in more ways than one.

I have a ten year old special needs daughter, Kasadi who I adopted from birth.

Kasadi has severe learning difficulties, and the ability to read and write, is something she will probably never master.

Within the school system Kasadi has had access to computer programmes that have helped her to recognise key words, and without the need to physically form letters she has even been able to compose her own stories. The delight and pride Kasadi shows when she has achieved something new on the computer, makes all her hard work so worthwhile and gives me a real sense of hope for her future. Kasadi is so hungry to learn that I want her to have access to anything that will help.

The school has given Kasadi her own password to access the programmes at home, and she is disappointed that she has not yet been able to do so. Just to see the smile on her face when I told her we would soon have a computer at home, was reason enough for me to be hugely grateful, I was able to take part in this course.

With a computer and internet access, plus a mum who is now confident using a computer, I know we will see Kasadi advance with her reading, writing and mathematics.

For myself, I have learned so much in such a short time and feel a hunger to learn more. The more I learn the better my chances of obtaining employment.

If I am not successful in getting a job I am still hopeful about my prospects, as a result of this course.

Since my retail business closed down in October 2013, I have had the idea to run a small business from home. This would involve marketing, research, obtaining materials, creating a cash flow, keeping records and numerous other tasks that would come up as the business progressed. A major part of this would require a computer and internet access, so my dream is now within reach.

The options for me and my family are numerous!!

It is hard to express how grateful I am to Tim, Peter and Noel for their time and sharing of their knowledge, to make such valuable changes in people’s lives.

Having access to online help and information, is a necessary part of everyday life now and in the future. Tim and his team have made it achievable for parents and children who may otherwise have missed out.




Course 56 Graduation

Today the students of course 56 graduated. Jordan Carter, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Internet New Zealand, came as a special guest to present the certificates to our graduates. 

Several students were also recognized for the quality of the learning stories which they submitted. These were Adam Hoare, Laine Sale and Bubba Pewhairangi. Cheryl Browne received first prize for her inspiring learning story.

Click Here To download the the photos of the Graduation.

01 July 2014

Congratulations to 10 of our Newest Kiwis

Saturday 28th June saw the latest graduation celebration for refugees . This course is normally attended by students who share a single nationality, however in spite of it being our smallest refugee course, it was, by far, our most diverse yet.
Within our ten students there were five nationalities, however including our tutors, there were eight nationalities present amongst 14 people. Our students and tutors originated from countries including: Afghanistan, Burma, Colombia (x5), Chile, Egypt, Iraq (x2), Eritrea and New Zealand (x2). Communication was one of the difficulties faced on this course; with so many different languages and cultures present. However this was resolved with help from technology (Google Translate), our tutors and the willingness of our students to learn. The diversity of such a small group shows that the pursuit of education can bring together people from all across the globe, who overcome political, religious and cultural differences, and language difficulties, to learn together. We congratulate 10 of our ‘newest’ Kiwis on their graduation and wish them every success for their future.

09 June 2014

Our latest CIH Refugee Course - a small but very diverse group.

Our latest refugee course only has x10 participants, but there are five different nationalities represented. There are five Colombians, two Iraqis, one Eritrean, one Afghani and one Burmese.  If you then include the nationalities of the tutor, interpreter and other assistants there are a total of eight nationalities (an Egyptian, a Chilean and two New Zealanders).  There is a wonderful atmosphere in the class with an excellent camaraderie developing.  Graduation for this class will be at 1 pm on 28 June 2014.



19 May 2014

WOW! - 1500 completed the CIH course

On Monday 5 May e-Learning Porirua celebrated over 1500 people gratuating from the Porirua Computers in Homes course since it started back in 2001.

The celebration honoured Monica Ioane as the 1500th person to complete the Computers in Homes course in Porirua.  Monica and her family received a Galaxy Tab 3 prize sponsored by REMAKIT and presented by Kris Faafoi MP.  The Hon Hekia Parata and Kris Faafoi MP both spoke of the strength of Computers in Homes and the work of e-Learning Porirua.  They also congratulated e-Learning on reaching this significant milestone.

Monica sends a huge THANK YOU to everyone and is already proudly using her new tablet as you can see below.

Monica Ioane, 1500 Prize Winner, sends a big thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration special.

Porirua Computers in Homes Graduation 55

Another 40 people graduate from Computers in Homes Porirua - 9 April 2014.
Someone amongst these 40 graduates will be the 1500th graduate of Computers in Homes in Porirua - watch this space!

Porirua City Councillor, Tim Sheppard, presented the certificates to the graduates.  Smart Linx3 provided the digital camera prize to the best 'learning story' from the class which went to Leanna Leitaua and this was presented by Don Pyatt from Smart Linx3.

It was also a pleasure to have Di Das (National Coordinator for Computers in Homes), Shona Te Huki (Horowhenua/Manawatu CIH Coordinator) and Leona Karauria (CIH Hawkes Bay Regional Coordinator) attend the celebration.

The Class and Guests

Leanna receiving her prize from Don Pyatt (Smart Linx3)

Porirua City Councillor - Tim Sheppard

03 March 2014

Graduation - Course 54

Christmas came early for 29 people who graduated from Course 54 on 11 December 2013.