Slidin' By Aorere

Aorere College CIH Graduation in Slides

AORERE ON TOP AT GRADUATION!

Our whanau in the Aorere College project graduated on the 1 November in amongst the presence of the paparazzi, colour, song and dance!  What a wonderful time of celebrating and now, a record of it in picture and video clips.

We were delighted to have leaders from our community offering words of commendation and inspiration.  Our MPs - Su'a William Sio and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi commented on the commitment of the parents graduating and the school to these same parents.  School leaders shared their thoughts, Principal Patrick Drumm, Deputy Principal Lynne van Etten along with SGM Chairperson Joce Williams.  The grace for our supper was shared by Helen Amituanai - Community Relations Mighty River Power.

Highlights of the Graduation included the excellent impromptu piano skills of graduate Lufi Paea's husband.  We were all riveted - you set the atmosphere sir!

Big thanks to the Samoan Cultural Groups, the acapella singers and soloists.  You added colour and pizazz to the occasion.  

To the students that weren't only there to awhi their parents but took it a step further and stepped up to the microphone with speeches dedicated to their parent - thanking them, admiring them and lifting them up before us all.  You made us all very, very proud. 

Thank you to the wonderful team at Tagata Pasifika, who accepted the invitation to highlight this event with a special segment in their television programme.  The YouTube clip is below - please watch it!  Our thanks also to the reporter/photographers from the Samoan Times and Indian Newslink.  Both publications featured stories on the Aorere Graduation!  You guys are FAMOUS!  Click here to read the Indian Newslink article.  Well done Deepa Jain for penning that and submitting it - your work is famous!

Aorere College students really chipped in to make the afternoon run as smoothly as possible - Aorere College students rock!  Thank you for catering!

For our graduates - I hope you are all enjoying your computers and internet.  Your skills can only get better - I'll be expecting those emails and feedback :)

Tagata Pasifika - TVNZ One

Funny bone ...

Makin' It Happen In Manurewa!

Our project in Manurewa South School kicked off on a beautiful Saturday morning in October.  We will be training 'hard out' until the Graduation in November in 3 weeks time.

One of the awesome features of this school, is the Parents Hub.  A pod of computers was set up in this room  that is indeed, a hub for the whanau to collect and work on projects that engage school and community.  Its location in the school is perfect - it is the former staffroom and has wonderful views of the fields and class areas.  The tamariki can also wander past and see their parents at work and at study.

What a wonderful place to train and what an awesome group of parents we have met so far!  Our buddy, Shiloh Aloiai, continues to assist in this project along with trainer Foloki Faiva (back from his sunbathing in Aussie - whether he brought us choccies remains to be seen!).

Morning In Manurewa South on PhotoPeach

 

 WELCOME MANUREWA SOUTH SCHOOL!

Dropping in at Aorere College ...

I love to drop in on different projects and see what everyone is up to, the different training techniques and of course, meeting students before they graduate.

One of my favourite sessions topic is the MS Word Document.  No matter how computer savvy you are or aren't - this is fun for EVERYONE and it's usually the more savvy users that take the longest time to finish!  We love that by the way - it shows you're having FUN with learning!

Here are some early pics of the MS Word sessions going on and the wonderful creations spilling forth!  Well done Aorere - hidden artists :)

A lot of planning and thinking, poring through Google for the right pictures ...

Beautiful faces ....

Someone HAS to do Nicky Minaj!

This one had a barcode for authenticity - except when I scanned the code - his magazine was for FREE!

Yep!  That works!

NEW PROJECTS AFOOT!

Yes!  We're starting fresh projects!  Welcome aboard to Manurewa South School, Wymondley Road School and Aorere College!

Over the next few weeks, these projects will be working very hard to graduate in November.  

I know!  "Hard out!" you say!  That's how we roll!  With the shorter school term, it is indeed 'hard out' for all of our participants - it's closer to Christmas time and for our college - closer to the final exams of the year.  It is hectic everywhere but we thank our Principals - Patrick Drumm (Aorere), Pelu Leaupepetele (Wymondley) and Tone Kolose (Manurewa) for welcoming the project into their schools on behalf of their whanau.

Signing up with Manurewa South School
Co-ordinator Cara, Trainer Foloki Faiva and Principal Tone Kolose

Watch for developments everyone!

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School Graduation

Graduate Mrs. Makaleta Matakaiongo (seated)
with proud daughter and moko 

 The Heart of Aroha

A very strong treasure this school has is the heart of aroha for it's Whanau.  This was evidenced in the anecdotes and tributes shared on the night of their graduation in July 2012.   

Praise abounded for the trainers Christine Kaumoana and her wicked sense of humour, and for Manu Ngakuru-Syder (also IT support).

A huge thank you to Principal Kallie Ngakuru-Syder for welcoming Computers In Homes into SEHC and for providing the extra support where it was needed.  The nights I dropped in to visit the sessions, Principal Kallie would be there watching the children that had come along with parents  and setting up activities for them to do.

SEHC Middle School CIH Graduates 2012

Christine and Manu - CIH Trainers

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate graduated 15 students and have the auspicious honour of having 'Nanny Tonga', Mrs. Makaleta Matakaiongo, our most senior graduate yet at 72 years of age!  This class bonded together in their awhi of Nanny Tonga, who found the initial concept of computers daunting.  Her visible discomfort drew many of the students to her,  the walls of shyness came down quickly and (from many reports) - sessions were loaded with comedy and warmth from then on.




I would love to bring the project back to this school!  It's heart for whanau is huge and the level of support is awesome.

Well done and congratulations to everyone that participated.

The bridge has now been built for whanau and school.

Sir Douglas Bader Celebrate and Graduate!

HEY BADER INTERMEDIATE!

This project was loaded with personality and took a little longer to get to the starting gate with the schools very busy terms BUT get there we did!  Thank you for welcoming us aboard Principal Peter Weir, BOT Chairperson Peter Sykes and our signed Champion, Deputy Principal Danny Gautusa.  Our trainer was the affable Foloki Faiva, and experimental buddy support - senior Aorere College student - Shiloh Aloiai.  I enjoyed the time I spent with this project - getting to know the families more and this is our first step into Mangere East.

LAUGHS

The opportunities to have fun while learning were seized with gusto - one time being the absence of the chocolate biscuits and milk for the coffee breaks.  The students had set up their email accounts and promptly sent emails of concern to Danny Gautusa.  Some of these were absolutely hilarious - in equal humour Danny sent a reply promising to trek off to Switzerland to procure for the project, the finest milk the Alps could offer.  

Through this project we received the support of 'Forever Young', coordinator Mary Rau being one of our graduates and Ephatah Trust, manager Epenesa So'oula being another graduate.  Both of these women are committed to the projects they have within the community and it has been a pleasure to support them in return with a computer package gift. 

This project was also the highest users of the blog comment section of the first posting welcoming Bader Intermediate to the CIH projects.  Quite a few ideas sprang from watching the interaction online - ideas we will look to implement in the future!

We had an excellent line-up for graduation night - National Director Di Daniels, Trustees Selwyn Creed and Kim Humpherson, SGM Chairperson Joce Williams and IT Support Brandon Johnson.  (Look for the superb group shot in the slide show!)  Principal Weir and Danny Gautusa presented 20 graduates, hosted not only families from the school but embracing others in the community via Mangere Community House.

I am looking forward to returning to Bader Intermediate to continue the next phase:  Stepping Up!  Watch this space :) 

This slideshow design made with Smilebox

More than a Graduation - Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Puau Te Moanani-A-Kiwa

Computers In Homes was welcomed back into TKKM Puau through tumuaki Katene Paenga, leader Linda Douglas and trainer Rodney Bethan-Kitto.

The impressive design and the atmosphere of welcome greet visitors as soon as they enter the car park.  Every project has it's own personality and TKKM Puau certainly continue that Whanau feeling when you are among them.

The whanau meeting was exceptional - hearing the participating families commitment to see each other graduate and to help each other along.  That is exactly what they did - 16 families graduated on the 15 June 2012.  I attended with Steering Group Chairperson Joce Williams and IT Brandon Johnson.  A small powhiri began our afternoon along with a mat full of very excited tamariki.  

The surprise of the evening was the gifting of a waiata written by Rodney Bethan-Kitto and Kerry Anne Te Ua Flavell.  The students had been practicing the waiata for a couple weeks, had filmed themselves and used it as part of the digital camera focus in their project.  

The quality of the video clip I have does not do them justice - I hope to find a better one soon (with the students help!).  Please enjoy the waiata. 

HIKOHIKO TAKU RORO E

Hikohiko taku roro e

My brain is stimulated

Hikohiko taku roro e

My brain is ignited

Anei ngā mahi, mahi rorohiko, hei ako mā, tātou katoa,

Here is the task for us all to learn about the electric brain.

Māma me Pāpā, tuakana, teina, te whānau katoa.

Mum, dad, older and younger siblings for everyone.

Harikoa ngā mahi ako rorohiko, awhi atu awhi mai te katoa.

Learn about computers is fun and enjoyable, everyone helping each other.

Mutunga kore te mahi ako, mahi ako rorohiko.

Learning is endless, especially about computers

(Kōrihi)

Chorus

Engari e hoa mā, tūpato, mataara i ngā ngāngara rā o te ao ipurangi.

Be careful; be alert my friends of the viruses and spams and indecent acts of the internet world.

Poipoia, manaaki ā tātou tamariki kia haumaru-maru tātou katoa

Nurture, care for our families so that we all be safe from harm

(Poipoia, manaaki)

i ngā wā katoa.

At all times

Composed by Kerry Anne Te Ua Flavell and Rodney Behan-Kitto

Tune is to the song ‘My Name is Michael’

Flat out for FLAT BUSH SCHOOL Graduation

Trainer Agnes Sagala, one of the up and coming baby IT geniuses and Associate Principal Louise Turner  Flat Bush School CIH families celebrated their graduation 30 May 2012 with an evening supper and many cameras!  In attendance as guests were CIH IT Brandon Johnson, Bader Intermediate School trainer Foloki Faiva and school whanau.  How wonderful to see even longtime friends in attendance to awhi a student. Champion of the project, Principal Pat Chamley offered anecdotes and a great deal of encouragement to all graduates and many of the students in attendance.  He commented after the graduation just how amazing the turnout was and the whole project impact on the school.  Yes!  He invited Computers In Homes back to take on triple the numbers!   Big 'thank you' to Agnes Sagala and Turi Tupou, trainers to the 'Roses and the Studs'.  Though the work may have seemed never-ending to students, the smiles and laughter on graduation night signalled the end of one step and the beginning of another.   Thank you to everyone out at Flat Bush Road School for the welcome and for your continued availability.

This slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

A little net humour ...

CELEBRATION!! - Wymondley Graduation

On the Day 

A brilliant time was had by all who attended the auspicious graduation of 20 families at Wymondley Road School.  The room was abuzz when we got there and the Manukau Courier's roving reporter was busy collecting interviews.  The families rolled in - and the laughing was prevalent.  I love happy gatherings!

We welcomed the attendance of SGM Chairperson Joce Williams, 2020 Trustees Selwyn Creed and Hazel Jennings - thank you for your encouraging words and personal congratulations extended to the many students over afternoon tea.

The caramel slice was to die for - although I didn't die - as someone nicked the last slice off my plate!

Enjoy the little video :)

A free picture slideshow by Smilebox

WYMONDLEY RD SCHOOL WORKIN' IT!

Wymondley Road School set an incredible pace with their energy and excitement in the Computers In Homes project.  I first met Principal Tone Kolose and Lead ICT/Senior Teacher Daniel Siliva-Tupua in November 2011.  They were so eager - they were ready to start that week!  With the additional support of Vice Principal Marie Inger - I should not have been surprised that the infectious energy of the Project Champions would also be present in the schools whanau.


I could tell the story BUT Daniel and the fantastic families that participated, have submitted these already.  Please enjoy their journey with us.  By the way - it is true about Daniel's jokes! Hahahaha!

Lead ICT/CIH Trainer Daniel Siliva-Tupua

The Wymondley Computers in Homes Class of 2012 has been a privilege to be a part of. Our school is 100% Maori and Pasifika and a hurdle for both the school and parents has always been giving our students access to the same learning tools that other children have around New Zealand.  With the thumbs up from Cara Sefuiva and the Computers in Homes programme, we were able to invite 20 families who didn’t have computers in their household to undergo 20 hours of basic computer training with the incentive of being offered a refurbished computer and subsidised broadband in their home upon completions.

The 20 parents were split into 2 groups, with an hour a week for 8 weeks plus 3 Saturday blocks of 4 hours for each group. The parents who have taken part have been an absolute joy to tutor. The range was from total novices, parents in study to those who have had experience through their jobs, family and church interactions.

Right across the board all involved have been committed and whole heartedly greatful for the opportunity they have been given. They understand the significance of not being afraid of technology, its convenience and impact it can have on all their lives. Before lessons they are an hour early, when it is time to pack up I have to ask them to “Please shut down and get lost”. Their confidence has grown exponentially and this will undoubtedly flow into the interactions and learning they do with their own children and for their own future learning.

Here are some further testimonials and photos from our lessons. At Wymondley it’s been a family affair like always and how it should always be. Please excuse the food near the computers because that’s just how we roll. 

Daniel Siliva-Tupua – Trainer

This computer course has given me the knowledge to know alot, experience the differrent techniques and computer skills that I thought I already knew about.But, I guess I was wrong its shown me an easier way to actually know about what I'm doing and how to use a computer when  I'm doing any assignments I need to get done for my studies. Not only that, I get to know what my children are using when on the net whether it is apropriate for them, blocking websites thats not suitable for their age and giving them a time limit as well for them to all have turns.

Experiencing alot throughout the course has given me the confidence to share and help others, not only for my children but mainly with our Pacific Island people who are still unsure of a course such as this one out there. I hope they have more of these (C.I.H) Computer In Homes Courses around Auckland as it really does help many other families who have children too, with assignments, projects, posters, powerpoints and maybe  making invitations or something to help out with your church activities it is a "MUST" for many of us.

Taking the course was the best step for me which i could tick off my list Why? because its completed, I did it just by turning up, making sure I used the time to ask a lot of  questions and get what I needed to know  about using a computer

Thank you again to the people who bought this C.I.H programme out to us it was such a great way to make new friends, learning the skills,  experiencing and working  as a TEAM together  to get this far and graduating together until the very end!!! Way to go to the parents and families who went for it.

 I did it! It was really worth taking the course!

Thanks to our tutor Daniel Tupua Siliva for helping us throughout the whole  programme really enjoyed all the laughter,the dry jokes, more laughs and more DRY jokes againYou have helped us a lot so we are grateful to you having the time to teach us on how to use computers.

God Bless on your work!

Thank you,

Vivienne Lemauai.......  

Taking the course was a huge step for me. I was always afraid to touch a computer in case I pushed the wrong button and wrecked it. The fear I had for touching a computer pulled me away from learning how to operate a computer. Even though I was afraid, I tried my best to learn how to operate it, with the help of my tutor. So now I can help my child with his school work.

I have learnt to:

·         Set a time limit on a computer

·         Block certain websites

·         Create and delete folders

·         Set up a user name and password for my child

·         Open and operate a word document

·         Create my own email address and learnt to correct my mistake in Word

I am always in class ½ an hour before starting so that I can memorise what we learn. I also learnt that a computer is another way to stay in touch with the world. Now I have I’m loving it! It’s like having my own personal library at home.

Thanks a bunch Computers in Homes. I wouldn’t have done it without your help.

Nono William

24 March 2012

Kia Orana my name is Sharron Mehau and I am a student/parent of the computers in homes programme. This programme will give me and my two children the opportunity to access the internet in terms of research, homework, emails etc. I would like to thank CIH for the free computers that will help benefit myself and my children and especially Daniel for taking his time to help us parents how to use the computers. Once again on behalf of me and my children we would like to say thank you for giving us a computer.

Sharron Mehau

Hello Cara,

Hope I spell your name correct. Just a few words from me as one of the student who benefit from this computer class runs by Dan the man but before I carry on further let me introduce myself.  My name is Simione Taufalele and I am a father of three children, two boys and one girl. I lived at Wymondley area also and all my three kids went to Wymondley Primary school.  I had only one son left at Wymondley right now and I am grateful and happy to be a part of this great community of Wymondley

 As I was told that I am in the class I was thrilled with the opportunity because my kids wants a computer and also I need to learn more.  The class has fulfilled all the expectations and all my requirements and needs in regards with computers. I also know that you had picked a great teacher to teach the class and I believe and know he does a great job.   Thanks so much for bringing and making this class available here in our community. I know that my children will benefit a lot from this computer.

Cara you did not know how much it means to my family of what you have done and may God bless you always for being a caring, loving and everything you do. I will l always remember this and I will do likewise to help someone like you had done to my family

Thank you so much

Love and respect

Simione Taufalele

COMPUTERS IN HOMES

What a revelation to be participating in the Computers in Homes with a group of people from our neighbourhood. I to like the rest of the group has a child or children attending the Wymondley Rd Primary School.                                                                                                   Without my son’s determination, persuasion and his wanting of having the use of a computer, has given me reason and   a insight that I do can learn alongside of him and from him in the many uses that a computer can provide. Plus the minimal costing and the free computer which comes with doing this programme.

The upside for me doing the Computers in Homes was having the right person with computer smarts at the helm. We had that person in Daniel. His positive vibes gave me the encouragement to do and try things with a computer which I never thought I had. Tena koe Daniel.

To  Computers  In Homes.

First  of  all,  I  would  like  to  say  thanks  to  the  lord  for  his  blessings  up  on  both  of  us.  I  wish  we  are  the  same  in front  of  his  lovely face.

Now  I  would  like  to  take  this  great  opportunity  to  say   a  big  thanks  to  you  all  for  the  offering  of  computers, the  bible  says,  If you  get  more  to  your  neighbours,  then  GOD  gives  a lot  in  your  hands  and  fill  the  empty  place  in  your  house.  Now  I   am  really  enjoy  to  learn  what  we  did  and  what  we  do  in  the  computer. also  my  heart  is  fully  thanks  cause,  I   know  how  to  go  to  the  Internet,  Microsoft,  email,  and  children’s  program.

Also,  thanks   for  this  lovely  course    I  can   learn  more  about  it.

For  now  I  can  close  it,  but  sorry  for  my  second  language,  I  know  you  already  understand 

about  that,  may  the  lord  blessed  each  and  every one  of  you  guys.

Thank you  very  much.

From  Meleane  Lealea

To computers in homes

Hi dear How are you? I am Seira Paualaisa and I am in the Monday computer class. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you very much from the bottom of my heart ,for this  great opportunity that you have given to me to do this course. I think this is a good time for me to stand on my two feet to take this wonderful chance to learn how to use the computer and get more about it. Also I want to be a famous computer man.

For now I have nothing in reward but I pray God to bless each and every one of you and give more days to live

Thanks a lot for everything

Yours truly

Seira Paualaisa 

Hi my name is Laelae I am a mother seven children, three girls and four boys. I live at 28 Firth Crescent Otara Manukau

I write this letter to you people to say thank you for this course. To me I learn more things about the course. I thank very much for my Teacher Mr Siliva to teach me. I learnt a lot more things about the computer. I am very happy to come to course. I can help my children to do their work. 

Laelae Tausaga

This computer course has been an awesome experience for me, I have learnt so much on how to use a computer an now, appreciate computers a lot more.

I would like to thank Computers in Homes for the opportunity it has given me, an my tutor Mr Siliva for the time he has put in, to teach us these new skills.

Thank you Computers in Homes, and Thank you Wymondley Primary School.

Yours  Sincerely Jeff Kesi

Hello, my name is Eseta and I'm a mother of four lovely children I wanted to attend this course for the benefit of my children for their homework at school.

I would like to thank the computer in home for helping our family to have our new computer, and also for those families who haven't got any computers at home.

Taking this course is a great experience for me to learn more about computers, how to use it, write letters, sending email, using internet. We had awesome lovely tutor Siliva who taught us more and I had learn a lot from him thank you. And I would like to say Thank you Thank you Very Very Much to the CIH.

May God Bless You All.

Eseta Lemanu

Welcome Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate!

Project Champion Vice Principal
Danny Gautusa signing Bader up for the
CIH project. 

It is my pleasure to welcome Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate to the project cluster this term.

There were a few touch and go moments with planning but we FINALLY had a Whanau Evening early April.  The sessions will start in May with a graduation in June.  EXCITING!  

Thanks to Danny Gautusa, champ on the spot and to Principal  Peter Weir for seizing the opportunity.

The trainer for the project is Foloki Faiva - welcome to his first stint with Computers In Homes as well!

Watch this space for news from our students!    

      

Off and Flying in 2012!

It's been a wee while since I've added on the new and fresh things happening with Computers In Homes for Auckland - terrible I know!  Here I am!

2012 is shaping up to be a VERY busy year - exciting new projects starting and many more families participating this year.  I am delighted to welcome aboard:  Wymondley Road School (Otara), Flat Bush School (Otara), Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Puau Te Moananui-a-Kiwa (Glen Innes), Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate School (Mangere East), and, last but by no means least, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Middle School (Otara)!!  Watch this space for upcoming paparazzi moments with these schools.

The participating families will be in training during Term 1 and Term 2, with graduations beginning in April.  Graduates will number at 85!

New things in the upcoming Projects:  NETSAFE

What is NetSafe?  NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes confident, safe, and responsible use of online technologies.


To offer the best possible advice and information to our families participating - Netsafe will assist in a training session with CIH families - to take place before graduation.  I am delighted to share this with you all and, if you happen to be near a school hosting a NetSafe session - please join in! Big thanks to Lee Chisolm at NetSafe for arranging representatives to visit our projects.

NetSafe is supported in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and Internet NZ.  Don't forget to check out their websites.

Before I forget!  What about those February storms?!  Who caught the amazing waterspout touching down in Browns Bay?  I'm sure I'm not the only one that loves storms but we have a couple of our Franklin families with modems that fell victim to those lightning strikes - a couple modems fizzled out joined shortly by a couple monitors!  Be careful during those storms - do you have a surge protected power-board?

Just before I sign off - if you have a new experience or question to share with us since gaining your computer - don't be shy!  You will likely encourage other students and pick up new ideas and challenges!