Course 39

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

“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

“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