Student Testimonial - Manu Anaru

“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

“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

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

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