Where are you with your learning journey?

It is wonderful when we meet former Computers in Homes students and get to hear what they are doing now. It often reinforces the research which suggests that digital inclusion programmes help develop empowerment. During the holiday period I bumped into four of our ex-students who told me what they are doing now. One ex-student is now working as a tutor at a wanaga full-time and another has part-time work around bringing up a young family. One has just completed their bachelor of social work degree at Whitireia. Another did our course back in 2006 as a mum, then went on to do teacher training and now is a deputy principal of a local primary school! All credit their success to completing our course as a catalyst to further learning and/or employment.

Recent Learning Stories

Maxine

Taking up the Computers In Homes course at my age (55), I was a bit apprehensive.  
Unsure of my own abilities and how much knowledge I could retain, I decided to jump in with 
both feet.  I love to learn new things and the course content seemed achievable, so why not?  
I’m a grandmother and I was responsible for my mokos most days... but they were at school 
during the day, which left me with lots of time on my hands.  The course ran during school 
hours and if I needed to leave to pick up the mokos, I could... and with little to no cost, perfect!

Talking to others on the course, we all realised that our levels of learning were immaterial.  We 
all learned the same thing and the pace of learning wasn’t important... for those who needed it,  
there was extra time, extra lessons... all you needed to do was turn up... the help was there. 
And acceptance was practically guaranteed... no matter what walk of life you came from, or 
age. I’ve never felt so accepted and welcomed, and excited to learn.

Before the course, I felt isolated from the world of technology.  I didn’t have the internet at 
home, or WiFi,... didn’t even have a computer. My thoughts were “I can’t afford it, so I’ll just go 
without”.  Upon graduating, I received a computer for my home and I was hooked up to the 
“net”..AND it’s very affordable, no matter your circumstance. I no longer feel isolated from the 
world, and I can have discussions with my mokos, AND my children, about the World Wide 
Web.

I still have a lot to learn, but now I have an avenue where I can learn ANYTHING and that’s 
exactly what I plan to do. Thank you to Peter and Tim at Computers In Homes...this old lady 
is switched on...and there's no going back!

Ruth

Kia ora Guys! My computer has settled in nicely. 

Thanks for your patience Pete.  

Thanks for being an excellent teacher and support person I really appreciated it. You’re a 
great person with all the work you do for the community.

And Tim.  What a great teacher.  You seem to flow in the zone and know the right pace.  Your 
actions / teaching sit firmly on a very deep philosophical base that empowerment is the right 
of all people and we must become kaitiaki or guardians of our freedom, rights and ways of life. 
Keep going Tim, we need more like you.

  

I didn’t do a story for you and Pete because I didn’t feel I had much to say.  But the big thing 
I’ve now noticed is how dramatically my quality of life has changed.  It’s like every expert I 
need to learn from to start a business, write a business card, get back onto Facebook, and be 
inspired to garden, cook and grow are now smilingly available at the click of a mouse.  

I don’t have TV cos ads piss me off and most of its hyped-up junk but its great to be able to 
pick and choose programmes. What I need now is a free course on how to make Facebook 
work for me better.  If you guys run anything that I’m eligible for please let me know.

Kia kaha 

Arohanui

Porirua Computers in Homes Graduation - Course 66

Another 29 people graduated from Porirua Computers in Homes on 6 April 2016.  Tracey Martin MP (NZ First) presented the certificates to the graduates.  Her speech was very encouraging and really struck a cord with many, so was very much appreciated.  One of the students (Kamiria Mullen) spoke to everyone about how much she had enjoyed the course and gained from the style of learning.  She also told us that she was now tutoring all her great grandchildren in using the computer for learning. Chris Theobald, principal of Holy Family School, spoke how important computers were now for families to support learning.  The National Coordinator for Computers in Homes, Di Daniels, was able to also give strong words of encouragement to the families, before presenting some special awards for learning stories.

Graduation for Course 65

Christmas came early for those graduating from Course 65 on 9 December 2015.  Jane Reddish (Principal of St Pius X School - Titahi Bay) and Dr Alan Nicols (ex-CEO BRANZ and Chair of Life Education Trust - North Wellington) presented successful students with their certificates.  After enjoying lunch together, students were able to take their refurbished computer home, to continue their digital learning journeys.

Congratulations and well done to all.

Jane and Alan flank Makerita at the Porirua Computers in Homes graduation for Course 65.

Click on the link below to view all the graduation photos:
https://goo.gl/photos/KkwV2BQsNuje7KhV8

Graduation for Course 64

25 happy students graduated on 23 September 2015.  Sose Annandale (Principal of Russell School, Cannons Creek) presented the certificates to each graduate.

Sose Annandale - principal of Russell School

The graduates of Course 64 - Porirua Computers in Homes

Graduation of Course 63 - 24 June 2015

For this graduation I thought the students could say what they thought in their own words!  What follows is quotes from students of course 63.

"I feel this course has taught me basic important computer skills and I can understand a lot more about computers and the internet. I also know what a Gmail is and have one and know how to work and explore it further than just email.  After 10 weeks attending Computer in homes Porirua, I have grown in confidence with using different tools on the computer, including turbo typing, publisher and PowerPoint.  Just to name a few. For this, I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn and achieve my set goals.

A special thanks to all my tutors who have supported me throughout this course."

"I took up this course to be able to communicate with family and friends, who have a computer.  The program I have undertaken is affordable, local, enabling me to attend without any transport issues.  Learning about computer technology will be most beneficial once I have learned all the basic skills.  I hope to be able to share information & news with all my family. Now I feel I am improving my computer skills with each lesson."

"When your teenage boys and your primary school aged girls, and even your 65 year old father know more about computers than you do, its time to join the revolution.  As soon as I heard about this course, I thought this is what I need, what my family needs!"

"I am so wrapped that I am finally on this course because everything that I ever wanted to know I can just ask.  All the tutors are so awesome and very patient and knowledgeable."

"I feel like I can now be on the same page with my children, to learn with them and even help them with homework, doing a presentation for school etc.  Just knowing how to navigate my way around things like google has been amazing for me."

"When I first started this course, I did not know how to use a keyboard or computer. Now that we have finished this course I am getting better and better because I can type words and sentences now were as before I found it very hard."

"Learning how to do PowerPoint presentations, all the extra functions of the Google apps that weren’t Gmail, Maps or Search, and the relaxed atmosphere of the class helped me become motivated to want to learn these things."

Course 63 - graduation 24 June 2015

Porirua Computers in Homes for Refugees - Graduation 62

The most recent graduation for Computers in Home for Refugees in Porirua was on 18 April 2015.

This class had 12 refugee students - x9 from Syria, x2 from Afghanistan and one Burmese.  With so many Arabic speakers it made sense to tutor directly in Arabic if possible.  Ibrahim Raouf-Morton (Eygptian) was able to do this superbly.

The graduating class for CIH Refugee Course - e-Learning Porirua

New Learning - New Opportunities

The Graduation on 1 April was definitely no April Fools!  For many it represented new opportunities for learning and working for them and their families.  41 people graduated from the first course of Computers in Homes of 2015 in Porirua.  Porirua City Council Chief Executive, Gary Simpson, presented the certificates to the excited graduates

Course 59 Graduates - 9 December 2014

Course 59 had a mix of Colombian and Burmese, Porirua-based, refugees who had missed out on previous Refugee Computers in Homes courses.  One of our e-Learning Porirua trustees, Douglas Harre, was there to present the certificates to the graduates.  Congratulations to all 23 graduates and their families and best wishes for the future.

Refugee Course Graduates

Congratulations to 14 more new kiwis for graduating a Refugee Computers in Homes course on 29 November 2014.  This class had nine Colombian Refugees and five Burmese Refugees.  It is always a pleasure to see the refugees so proud of there achievements and so pleased to be in New Zealand.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Graduation - Course 54

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

Our Kiwibank Local Hero

On 25th November, at Kiwibank Head Office in Wellington, Tim Davies-Colley, Executive Project Manager of e-Learning Porirua, stepped up to receive a Local Hero Medal in the Wellington Region from Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown and Kiwibank’s Paul Brock. Tim has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Board of e-Learning Porirua Trust to bring computers in homes and computer skills training to the digitally disadvantaged households and areas of Porirua such as Cannons Creek, Porirua East and Waitangarua.  All Local Heroes awarded a regional medal are currently being considered by the national category judging panel for the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year 2014.  The top ten semi-finalists will be announced later in December and we wish Tim all the best. 

Graduation - Course 53 25-09-13

On the 25 of September 2013 e-Learning held another successful Computers in Homes graduation for the 52 people of Course 53.  Denys Latham, Porirua City Councillor, presented the certificates to the graduates.
We were also fortunate to have Don Pyatt, the Business Development Manager at Smart Linx3, to present the special awards for the best 'Learning Stories', including the prize for the winning story by Tania Dempsey.  Tania's prize was a new digital camera sponsored by Smart Linx3.

             Above and right Denys Latham awarding
             certificates to successful graduates.

Above - Don Pyatt (Smart Linx3) awards Tania for her winning 'Learning Story'.