Student Testimonial - Course 38

“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

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

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.