CiH Porirua

Student Testimonial - Marshall Solomon

2011-12-08T14:04:00.000+13:00

Marshall wasn’t doing anything before his Computers in Homes course. In his own words he “was in a very dark place” before doing the course. Marshall had actually started a university degree, but was unable to continue when there was a change in student loan policy.

Marshall is married with two young boys – 8 years old and 10 years old. He says his wife has really taken to social networking. She enjoys being able to socialize on-line without having to leave home to do so. Their two boys also appreciate having a computer in the home, especially one connected to the internet. Apparently they are both doing very well at school, because their ICT research skill is paying dividends. The whole family are also keen on doing puzzles on-line.

Since completing the Computers in Homes course Marshall has gone on to do some Stepping Up modules. He has also been an amazing volunteer for two Computers in Homes courses now. His artistic ICT skills have been nurtured too. At the time of his interview with me Marshall was able to proudly show me some of the image and animation work he has been doing. He has every right to be proud of this work – it is incredible – very detailed and professional. This is even more amazing when you know it has been produced on a very basic, refurbished computer. I was immediately left wondering what Marshall could produce with a quality computer with some real CPU speed, good RAM and a high quality graphics card.

Although Marshall was attracted to the Computers in Homes course by the free computer and the six months free broad band he says that it has led to so many more opportunities. He thinks the biggest thing has been the confidence building he has experienced from the courses and the volunteer work he has done. He was particularly motivated by “the energy that was created by the tutor and the programme manager (project manager)”. This ‘energy’ made Marshall believe he could do it, “get out of the hole”. Recently, in fact, Marshall has just completed a ‘Be your own boss’ course with WINZ and is now waiting for some start-up funding to begin trading in digital graphics.

Marshall believes that being part of Computers in Homes has taught him that Porirua is a beautiful place and that it is full of talented, creative people. He hopes he can grow his business to showcase this talent and creativity. “If it weren’t for this place (CIH Porirua) I wouldn’t have even looked at those angles (Porirua as beautiful with talented, creative people). I wouldn’t have looked at Porirua having the best and the greatest, not realizing that the best and the greatest are right here in Porirua”.

I would say “watch this space”. It is clear that Marshall is now motivated to make something wonderful happen here in Porirua. We will continue to follow his progress with the greatest of interest.

Course 42 - It’s not just about a free Computer!

2011-10-07T10:42:00.002+13:00

Another 19 students have graduated from the latest Computers in Homes course on Wednesday 5 October. The ceremony was held at the Porirua RSA, McKillop St. Berlinda Gorman, Community Affairs Manager for Microsoft New Zealand, presented the certificates to the graduating students, in front of proud family and friends. Six students spoke at the end of the presentations about what the course had meant to them.

One student spoke of coming to the course thinking it was just going to be a way of getting a computer and internet access. He went on to say it was so much more, that the course provided a doorway into choices and a new way of thinking. Another talked of wanting the computer and internet access for his kids and to learn about email and Facebook, but now was interested in web design. A third spoke of really valuing being able to look for work and apply online. She also spoke of feeling more confident and how her children were even commenting on how she was able to do things they hadn’t learned to do!

PC Virus Telephone Calls

2011-07-01T13:57:00.003+12:00

It has been brought to our attention that a number of computers in homes families around New Zealand are getting called at home and told there is something wrong with their computer. They are called by people who say they are from Microsoft or Windows. It is not only computers in homes families that are targeted, and extends to a wide number of users.

Friendly reminder: Under no circumstances should you let someone take remote control of your computer..or give anybody your login information.

Please click here to watch Fair Go's story around this on 23 June 2011.

Student Testimonial - Manu Anaru

2011-06-21T09:40:00.006+12:00

“The Computers in Homes course has given me a confidence boost and has helped my children achieve better grades at school”

Manu had no knowledge of computers before she started the Computers in Home course – they scared her. However, family and friends recommended the course to her.

For Manu, she had to learn the basics, from how to turn the computer on and what icons meant, and how to use a mouse and keyboard to navigate.

The course was easy to attend as she was able to bring her children, and had time to collect older children from school. A real bonus was receiving a computer to take home upon graduation. This has encouraged Manu to keep using the computer to further develop her skills and confidence. Her children were very excited recently to get jobs as extra’s in a movie thanks to Manu’s skills at searching for jobs on the Internet.

Manu has introduced a rule at home that the children complete their homework before being allowed to play games. Her house has become a magnet for other children to come and use the computer to explore the Internet, and this makes her feel better about her children and parenting skills. Manu is full of ideas for the future, she would encourage all families to attend the programme.

Student Testimonial - Aime Masters

2011-06-19T16:47:00.000+12:00

“It’s like a whole new world at your fingertips!”

Aime Masters has a personality that lights up the room when she talks to you. She is an enthusiastic and positive mother who enrolled on the Computers in Home programme because she realised there was an urgent need to improve her computer skills.

Aime knew that the computer skills she would get from the course; being able to use Microsoft Office and the Internet, would open up huge opportunities for her, not just for seeking work, but also at home. As a mum, being able to help her daughter with her school work (and Aime to keep up with her daughters computer skills) was invaluable!

The computer skills Aime’s learnt from the course have also helped her develop creative skills - for instance she now regularly uses Microsoft Office to design birthday cards and invitations for friends and families.

Talking to Aime today, the thing that really comes through is that for her, to be able to come to the RSA building in Porirua once a week for ten weeks, and finding an encouraging and supportive family orientated environment was crucial to pick up her education and boost her confidence.

And once she has started to grow these skills, you get the impression that nothing will stop her tapping into the wealth of opportunities that the Digital Economy offers.

Course 40

2011-04-17T05:36:00.002+12:00

Course 40 was delivered February 2011 - April 2011. 52 Graduates received computers and certificates on Wednesday 13 April.

E-Learning Chair Graham Kelly and Porirua Mayor, Nick Leggett handed out certificates to some very excited graduates. Photos on this occasion were taken by Graham Craig from the Rotary club of Plimmerton. These can be viewed by clicking right HERE!

E-Learning Porirua hits 1000 homes

2011-03-30T11:37:00.006+13:00

E-Learning Porirua celebrated it's 1000th family that has received training and a computer as part of the Computers in Homes programme last week. Tracey MacDonald of Waitangirua and her children Braydon, 8, Keelan 5, and Kaylah 4, were gifted with a certificate and an Ipad as an acknowledgement of being the 1000th family. Ms MacDonald is humbled with the award. " I feel very honoured and privileged to be the 1000th person. "To me it's opened up a lot of doors. It's great having the internet - it's just so much easier. It's at my fingertips if the kids need help with their homework. It makes life easier" she says.

The Computers in Homes programme was designed by the Porirua City Community IT Educational Trust to provide computer skills to Porirua locals to assist them in finding jobs. Ms MacDonald says she would like to further her participation in computing to keep it in her mind - at the moment she is finding time between her children's school and kindergarten hours. Porirua City Community IT Educational Trust Chairperson Graham Kelly told the guests last Wednesday this was a "milestone" for the trust. "With a lot of fundraising by our Board, our Trust, over these past ten years, has trained and given 1000 homes computers to families in Porirua City, affecting approximately 1500 adults and 4000 children. "This is a milestone for us and for our community, but most importantly for the families who can now see a better future for themselves."

Written by Dani McDonald - CityLife Porirua News

Course 39

2010-12-20T01:37:00.004+13:00

60 Families graduated from Course 39 on 15 December 2010. Certificates were presented by Clare Curren; Labour Party spokesperson for Communications and Information Technology and Graham Kelly; Chair e-Learning Porirua Trust.

Student Testimonial - Terrisa Fa'avae

2010-12-14T16:37:00.002+13:00

“If I hadn’t done this course, I wouldn’t be where I am now”

Speaking to Terrisa, it’s clear that she’s a shrewd woman. She recognised that getting a PC and the skills to use it were vital in equipping her and her sons for the Digital Economy – but she’s gone further than that…

Terrisa is now the treasurer of her local Community group; and is also planning to return to full time education when her sons are a bit older. These ambitions are possible because of the Computers in Homes course that was offered at the Porirua RSA.

After successfully completing the Computers in Homes programme and going on to complete further training through the Stepping UP programme, Terrisa can confidently use the Internet, Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and in her own words, she uses the “computer for everything -it’s all at my fingertips!”

Her sons are also making good use of the PC – but only for school work, as mum is strict with their computer time. Her trust computer also came with an internet security program , which protects the family from any Internet nasties that may be lurking, giving mum peace of mind.

The environment at the Porirua RSA was also a huge incentive for Terrisa. Terrisa says the timing of the classes, the location and also her tutor’s warm and professional approach made a huge difference to her. She is now confident that she can use the computer and the internet for whatever SHE wants.

“If I hadn’t come on this course I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’m prepared to return to work, empowered and more confident. I now have a choice in life in terms of jobs. I went up to 7^th form and didn’t have the confidence to continue. I now tell my kids – stick with school so that you can choose your job and your job doesn’t choose you.”

Student Testimonial - Course 38

2010-09-27T14:40:00.000+13:00

“I now feel better prepared for applying for jobs that require the use of a computer”

I heard about this course after recently arriving in New Zealand, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to learn how to use a computer.

This course has taught me to type quickly and to how to use a computer to help me write my CV. I have gained a lot of confidence in using computers since doing this course, I now feel better prepared for applying for jobs that require the use of a computer.

I am grateful that the teachers on the course are very kind and patient, as English is my second language it sometimes took me a little longer to understand what I was meant to be doing however the teachers always gave me the time and explained everything clearly for me. The times that the course is on is also very useful as I also study English and with this course being during the day it has really helped me in doing both.

The biggest advantage of doing this course is the computer that you get at the end of it. It has greatly helped my son who is currently studying and at College. I hope that having the computer at home will provide an opportunity for him to get a great education. As well as helping me to find a job that will improve the life of my family.

Colombian Family Graduation - Course 38

2010-09-27T02:08:00.007+13:00

Two days after 57 families graduated from Computers in Homes, an additional 21 families were presented with certificates and computers through the Computers in Homes scheme.

On Friday 24 September 2010 at the Porirua RSA, Abdi Bihi; Ministry of Education and Graham Kelly; Chair E-Learning Porirua presented students with certificates. Labour MP; Luamanuvao Winnie Laban and Kris Faafoi stood close by, Litea Ah Hoi was also present.

21 Colombian Refugee families from Porirua and Lower Hutt were provided ICT training at the Porirua RSA every Friday in Term 3. Funded by the Ministry of Education, each family received access to Computers in Homes and Stepping UP training. The Rotary Club of Plimmerton extended a great wealth of generous support during the term by providing voluntary mentoring assistance to E-Learning Porirua's tutor during class lessons. A translator from Refugee Migrant Services was also available to translate lessons spoken in English to Spanish.

The majority of the Colombian refugees have been subject to a fairly high degree of trauma and almost all have lost family members or have been personal victims of severe abuse as a result of confrontations between paramilitary forces in Colombia. During interviews with Immigration New Zealand all the Colombian refugees highlighted their dream to go to a safe place, find jobs and educate their children.

Trained community volunteer support workers are key participants in the successful settlement of refugees. Working closely with professional staff of Refugee Services, they help provide practical support and establish community linkages during the initial months of resettlement. Refugee Services in Porirua are allocated families to resettle every two months and are currently looking to recruit more volunteers.Those interested to offer 6hrs per week of volunteer support may contact Refugee Services on 237 7946 or email jay.edwin@refugeeservices.org.nz

Course 37

2010-09-24T23:02:00.005+12:00

Porirua is a City of strong, sharing, caring, well connected communities. Local clubs, groups, businesses and non profit organisations comprising of generous, hard working, passionate people who work together, strive for excellence and are committed to extending peoples lives in the best way possible. An example of this is highlighted through the Computers in Homes programme.

E-Learning Porirua is one step closer to hitting their target of training and providing computers to 1000 families in Porirua. 57 families filled the top floor of the Porirua RSA with excitement and laughter as they graduated from Computers in Homes on Wednesday 22 September.

National MP Hekia Parata and E-Learning Porirua Trust Treasurer Murray Woodley presented students with certificates for completing ten weeks of computer training.

Refurbished computers with 6 month broadband connections are provided to each family upon completion of the course. Further nest eggs were revealed when Cartridge World in Porirua stepped up and donated each family a multi functional printer/scanner/copier device, ream of paper and discount card to purchase cartridges. The Digital Porirua Trust also came to the party and has provided students the opportunity to further strengthen their computer skills and staircase into a 12 month online ICDL (International Computer Drivers Licence) training programme mentored by the Digital Porirua Trust, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Plimmerton and Volunteer Porirua.

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 39 will start at 12pm on Wednesday 12 October in the training room situated upstairs in the Porirua RSA at 3 McKillop Street, Porirua East. For further information please contact 0800555563.

Course 36

2010-07-27T06:20:00.013+12:00

Another 25 families successfully graduated from Computers in Homes on 30 June 2010. Students received 10 weeks training, a computer with 6 months broadband and technical support on completion. Mayor Jenny Brash and Aotea College Principal Tim Davies-Colley handed out certificates on graduation day. A huge thank you to Plimmerton Rotary for providing voluntary mentoring and support during this programme.

‘It was fantastic to see all of our graduates grow in stature and confidence during the course and note everyone, without exception, found new ideas and opportunities to explore on-line. It was also very heartening to facilitate a number of students now being able to sign up for further education with Whitireia Community Polytechnic and others being given work experience assistance through our Rotary Club Mentors. The future of the Computers in Homes Programme in Porirua continues to grow with the real needs of our Community’. (Michael Stevens - e-Learning Project Manager)

More photos for course 36 are available via http://rotary.angnz.com/

Course 35

2010-04-15T15:04:00.004+12:00

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

Course 34

2009-12-11T03:09:00.006+13:00

23 students from Course 34 graduated on Wednesday 9 December 2009 after completing 9 weeks of training every Wednesday from 12:00pm-2:30pm. Students received refurbished computers with Broadband Internet connections, an E-Learning attendance certificate for attending and participating in Computers in Homes and a Digital Porirua Trust Stepping UP certificate for completing four Digital Step for Work modules as part of their training.

Certificates were presented by Chris Kirk-Burnnand who is currently involved as a Trustee on Johnsonville Youth Grants, Whitireia Foundation and Life Education North Wellington Trusts.

CiH Family Stories

2009-11-27T09:12:00.006+13:00

Click here to read stories about the impact Computers in Homes has had on some families who have participated.

Manchester Unity Friendly Society

2009-10-06T05:39:00.002+13:00

On Wednesday 10 June 2009 the Manchester Unity Friendly Society presented Computers in Homes with a very highly appreciated donation. Computers in Homes is extremely grateful and cannot say thank you enough!

The Manchester Unity Friendly Society confirm they are pleased to support the E-Learning initiative because they were impressed with the literature provided. The Manchester Unity Friendly Society says "It is a well run project providing lots of follow up; helping to make a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to be taking part"

The money the Manchester Unity Friendly Society receive come from donations from members and raffles. The society is very cautious who they give money to. In the past their support has gone to:

Take Heart
Life Flight Trust
Australia Bush Fire
Sailability

Award honours E-Learning Porirua Trust work

2009-09-30T06:05:00.000+13:00

E-Learning Porirua Trust has won the Educational and Child/Youth Development category in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Porirua City.

The E-Learning Porirua Trust funds and manages the delivery of digital education and training services in the community be delivering consistent and high quality training services to families in Porirua's low decile areas through the Computers in Home programme.

The Trust has contributed computers or finance for computers to 24 low decile schools in Porirua City. Children are now able to do their homework on a computer, meaning they are not so disadvantaged and are doing much better at school. The Board of Trustees are all volunteers who contribute their various business skills to the Board's primary function of fundraising and administering these funds.

There are also 100s of volunteers over the years who have contributed giving 1000s of hours assisting families, especially in low income areas to become computer literate. This has led to many parents gaining computer skills and getting full-time employment as the Prime Minister found out when, earlier this year, he attended the launch of the Porirua Digital Trust. The work of E-Learning Porirua Trust had a huge influence on the Porirua Digital Trust being awarded US$400,000 by Hewlett-Packard for hardware in the community at Community Access Points and Netpods in our schools.

Course 33

2009-09-27T01:53:00.001+12:00

Hard work and dedication saw these families complete 10 weeks of training with the assistance of a Burmese translator. 11 Burmese families consisting of 20 people, successfully completed course 33 and graduated on September 23 2009. Burmese families gathered each week on a Thursday evening from 5.30pm - 8.00pm to participate in Computers in Homes and learn Internet/Email and Word Processing. In addition to Computers in Homes, the families also participated and completed four Digital Step for work modules from Stepping UP.

Certificates were presented by Winnie Laban. Also present at the graduation were: E-Learning trust members; Graham Kelly, Pamela Meekings-Stewart and Wendy Betteridge, Plimmerton Rotary Club President; David Pine and Refugee Migrant Service (RMS) Director; Jay Edwin.

A big thank you to all the Refugee Migrant Service (RMS) volunteers who attended and assisted the families they support to take their computers home.

Course 32

2009-09-27T01:48:00.001+12:00

20 students from Course 32 graduated successfully on Wednesday 23 September 2009 after completing 10 weeks of training. Not only did they receive a computer and attendance certificate, they also received a Stepping UP certificate for completing four Digital Step for Work modules in the popular Stepping UP programme. Stepping UP requires students to complete 10 hours of training.

Certificates were presented by Employment Hub Acting Manager; Arlyta Huriwai. Also present at the graduation were: E-Learning trust members; Graham Kelly, Pamela Meekings-Stewart and Murray Woodley, and Plimmerton Rotary Club President; David Pine.

Course 31

2009-06-22T03:05:00.000+12:00

25 families graduated on Wednesday 1 July 2009. The families that have been participating on course 31 have learnt so much and are very deserving. Here is some of things that we have covered:

creating a document, creating a folder, save a document, locate a document, navigate through a document, scroll through text, Insert text in a document, select and format text (change font type, size, alignment and colour), edit a document by deleting and restoring text (undo/redo), save a file with a different name, insert clip art, insert a border, insert background colours and textures, resizing and reposition a picture and domain names, web browsers and searching the internet

If you scroll down to the end of this page (alternatively hold down ctrl on your keyboard and press the end key) you will see an outline of what we cover on our computers in homes courses.

Course 30

2009-05-14T02:44:00.001+12:00

Litea Ah Hoi and Graham Kelly presented certificates to all 23 families who completed course 30 in April 2009.

Digital Porirua Trust Launched by Prime Minister at Te Rauparaha Arena

2009-05-14T02:20:00.001+12:00

Digital Porirua was officially launched by the Prime Minister, the Honourable John Key on Wednesday 11 March 2009. Computers in Homes was involved in this launch.

Hewlett-Packard and the Digital Porirua Trust announced an initiative that will dramatically improve Porirua community’s access to essential new technologies.

The Digital Porirua Trust has used a $400,000USD education grant from Hewlett-Packard to build a network of community access points in church halls, marae, community centres and schools within Porirua. The centres are designed so people feel safe to explore new ideas and develop themselves through the use of technology.

The community access points form part of the wider Digital Porirua project. It recognises the important part technology plays in connecting our communities, helping people work together, increasing business productivity and helping individuals reach their aspirations.

"Digital Porirua aims to make access to technology easy: Whether it's meeting the broadband needs of our high tech industries, better connecting our communities with the use of community portals, or bringing the benefits of technology within the reach of all in our community," says Dr Roger Blakeley, Trust Chair and CEO Porirua City Council.

“With the help of Hewlett-Packard, we are on a clear path to achieving our goal to become a digital city. The Digital Porirua Trust has been created to administer the grant and oversee the community activity on a day-to-day basis.”

“It is exciting to see access to technology having such a profound influence on the lives of people from all ages in our city. With many children using the centres to do their homework while retired community members learn how to keep in touch with friends and family online.”

Course 29

2008-12-14T22:04:00.000+13:00

The students on course 29 graduated on Wednesday 10 December. We had 23 families all of whom worked very hard to complete the material and lessons taught throughout the course. Each family received a computer, an attendance certificate and a very firm handshake from Phil Major; Foundation and Current Trustee of E-Learning Porirua.

Course 28

2008-09-27T23:44:00.000+12:00

43 Families participated in course 28 which ran from July - September. On Wednesday 24 September each family were rewarded for their efforts and graduated with a computer and attendance certificate presented by Arthur Graves Whitireia Community Polytechnics' new Chief Operating Officer. Also present at the graduation were: Microsoft - Community Affairs; Belinda Gorman, and E-Learning trust members; Graham Kelly, Pamela Meekings-Stewart, Murray Woodley, Ray Cowles and Winnie Laban. National Computers in Homes Coordinator Di Das also attended the evening.

Well done to all the families who participated in course 28. May your computer serve your family well in more ways then one.

Course 27

2008-07-01T03:23:00.000+12:00

We had 37 families participate in course 27 run from February to April. Each family completed 10 weeks of training this term and graduated on Wednesday 16 April 2008. We celebrated the evening by handing out certificates. What a fun time it was. A huge congratulations to each family for their committment and achievements.

Each family took home a computer - the light at the end of the ten week tunnel!

Course 26

2008-07-01T03:20:00.000+12:00

A massive 54 families participated in course 26 run in term 4 of 2007. Due to such high demand we decided to run classes at the Porirua RSA on Wednesday during the lunch hour and in the evening. A big congratulations to all the families that participated and worked so very hard each week. Well done!

Course 25

2008-07-01T03:06:00.000+12:00

A very interesting course and great success in term 3 of 2007. 31 families worked hard to achieve the course requirements and graduated at the end of the term with attendance certificates and computers.

Hongoeka Marae

2008-04-28T20:55:00.000+12:00

Situated in Hongoeka Bay, past Karehana Bay beyond Plimmerton. The locals meet every monday to learn the art of computing.

E-Learning Porirua

2008-04-24T13:43:00.000+12:00

The Porirua City Community IT Educational Trust was established as a charitable trust 7 years ago by then local MP, Graham Kelly.

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.

The Computers in Homes programme provides families with a refurbished computer for the home, an internet connection, relevant basic training and technical support; and fully meets the following stated goals of the Trust:

* To empower communities with the necessary tools and skills for lifting education achievement, reducing unemployment and poverty, and increasing social cohesion.

* To provide children of these communities with access to online educational resources from home and local access points.

* To strengthen relationships between parents and schools in these disadvantaged communities, so that parents are more empowered to support their children’s learning.